The Atkins diet, the Zone diet, the Carbohydrate Addict's diet: Are these diets the secret to losing weight?

SURVEY Have you tried a low-carb diet? Yes, I'm on one right now. Yes, and it worked great. Yes, but it didn't work. No, but I'm considering it. No, and I don't plan to. Results  |  Disclaimer

These diets focus on limiting carbohydrates, such as grains, beans, fruits, rice, potatoes, pasta and starchy vegetables. And the Atkins diet allows you to eat as much meat, eggs, cheese, butter and cream as you want. If you follow it, you'll likely lose weight quickly, probably faster than people following a low-calorie diet.

But how can that be?

Mayo Clinic researchers believe that weight loss from a low-carbohydrate diet comes largely from a loss of water and muscle. When you don't have enough carbohydrates, your body begins to burn stored carbohydrates for energy, which releases a lot of water weight. The body then breaks down lean body tissues in an effort to provide glucose for energy and brain function.

But fast weight loss doesn't make it an effective or safe diet, according to the October issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource. Dieters who stick with either a traditional low-calorie diet or a low-carbohydrate diet have similar results over the long term. Plus, there's no research on the long-term health effects of a low-carbohydrate diet.

The bottom line: Be wary of diets that promise a quick fix, researchers say. While the traditional approach to weight loss -- cutting calories, eating more fruits and veggies, and increasing exercise -- isn't quick, it is a proven path to improved health and lasting weight control.