Atkins Reduces High Blood Pressure Better than Weight-Loss Drugs | Atkins

Colette's Blog

Atkins Reduces High Blood Pressure Better than Weight-Loss Drugs

November 20, 2014

If you need to lose weight and also have hypertension, Atkins is more successful at reducing blood pressure than certain weight-loss drugs, according to a new study. In the study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers at Duke University compared the drug Orlistat, marketed as Alli by GlaxoSmithKline, the pharmaceutical giant, with following the Atkins Diet. (Orlistat stops the body from absorbing fat).

High blood pressure, known as hypertension, can be dangerous because it increases the risk of suffering a heart attack. Many obese and overweight people are advised to lose weight to help lower their blood pressure but rarely are they told the best way to do so. Physicians often advise drugs instead of effective lifestyle changes such as following the Atkins Diet.

The study involved 146 patients who were divided into two groups, one following the Induction phase of the Atkins Diet, and the others taking 120 mgs of Orlistat 3x’s daily. (Note; the over the counter version Alli is only 60 mg per capsule). The researchers found that only 21 percent of those taking the weight-loss drug saw a significant reduction in their blood pressure. In contrast, 47 percent of those following the Atkins Diet experienced significant reduction in their blood pressure.

According to the lead author of the study, Dr. William Yancy, who also led the blood pressure research, “If people have high blood pressure and a weight problem, a low-carbohydrate diet might be a better option than a weight-loss medication.” He added, “It’s important to know you can try a diet instead of medication and get the same weight-loss results with fewer costs and potentially fewer side effects.”

Side effects of Orlistat can include diarrhea, leakage, and nausea. Those taking the drug were also encouraged to eat a low-fat diet. Orlistat is available only by prescription. Alli is sold over the counter at pharmacies.

The results of this study shows once again that making lifestyle changes, without the expense and side effects of pharmaceutical drugs, which may or may not be effective, are often a better options for a variety of health issues.

More From Colette

Food and Mood: Is There a Connection?

Learn how what you eat can impact how you feel. Have you ever noticed that after eating food high in sugar, while it seems delicious and tempting at the time, shortly after, you’re experiencing an energy slump and cravings for more? This is because the food you eat can affect your mood and emotional state

Read More »

Mother’s Day Low Carb Recipe Roundup

This Mother’s Day, show the love, not the carbs. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, there’s no better way to show your love and appreciation for her than by respecting her low carb diet. There are plenty of delicious, low carb dishes that fit the bill, whether she’s craving brunch, dinner or a picnic. New Low

Read More »

Low Carb Cinco de Mayo Recipe Roundup

Margs, tacos, tostadas and more! If you plan on celebrating Cinco de Mayo but worry about the Cinco “carbs” that may creep on you, fear not. With these recipes and tips, your fiesta can be delicious and low carb. How to Make Your Cinco de Mayo Low Carb Eating out? Try these tips for lightening

Read More »