ABSTRACT
In the beginning, it is important to state that this chapter is not an attempt to discredit Dr. Atkins theory. In fact, his observations were right on the mark in general terms. This chapter hopes to put Dr. Atkins contribution, as controversial as it may be, into its correct context as a catalyst and vehicle for a major paradigm shift in our understanding of and approach to the causes and treatments of obesity and related disorders. Dr. Atkins was instrumental in removing our obsessive focus that fat is the greatest enemy in regard to disease prevention and treatment. However, to gain an understanding of the premise of the Atkins program, one must rst understand in what environment the Atkins program was created and what caused Dr. Atkins to pioneer this paradigm at that particular time.
