The low-carbohydrate Atkins diet has become so popular among dieters that fast food chains have joined in the fad.

Many now offer solutions for dieters eschewing carbs, like bunless burgers.

Olivia Lattin, sophomore in animal ecology, works at Subway, 113 Welch Ave., where Atkins-friendly wraps are available.

Although not many people follow the Atkins diet strictly when ordering the wraps, Lattin said, the product are selling well. She said she is unsure of how well the wraps will do in the future.

“I haven’t heard anything bad about them,” she said. “People seem to be liking them.”

Judy Trumpy, registered and licensed dietitian at the Thielen Student Health Center, expressed concern about the many low-carb products now available in grocery stores and at restaurants. Trumpy, assistant manager of food service for the residence halls, said low-carb products are more expensive than regular items.

Lattin agreed about the added expense of low-carb food.

“[The wraps] are more expensive than a six-inch sub, but a lot of people like to try them,” Lattin said.

Amanda Kiel, junior in management information systems, has been on the Atkins diet since August 2003.

Although she has lost about 22 pounds on the diet, she said she did not originally go on the diet to lose weight.

“My doctor suggested a low-carb diet to help with my arthritis,” she said. “I’ve been very satisfied with it.”

The diet has helped her joints, since the Atkins diet calls for more exercise, she said.

Kiel said she has had no problems eating out since she has been on the Atkins diet. She said she asks for vegetables instead of bread or other high-carb foods.

However, Trumpy said, many people are successful losing weight on the Atkins diet at the expense of their health.

High-protein diets limit the intake of carbohydrates, which are the preferred source of energy for the brain and vital organs, she said. This forces the body to use muscle for energy rather than burning fat.

By limiting intake of carbohydrates and using muscle for energy, the body thinks it is starving and slows down the metabolism, Trumpy said.

“You’re depriving your body of energy,” she said. “You’re running around in a semi-malnourished state.”

Also, the Atkins diet can cause dehydration, Trumpy said.

“For every gram of protein you lose of muscle [on the Atkins diet], your body releases four grams of water,” Trumpy said.

She said this is why weight loss occurs.

Trumpy said there are many immediate health risks associated with the Atkins diet, since the body can be dehydrated and malnourished as a result. The loss of protein and muscle in the body compromises alertness, the immune system, the digestive system and organ function.

Kiel said she is aware of certain health risks, but is not worried.

“You can counteract [health risks] with supplements,” she said. “You have to take the right vitamins when you’re on the diet.”