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Low-carb pioneer Atkins files Chapter 11
AP ^ | 7/31/5 | ELIZABETH LeSURE

Posted on 07/31/2005 5:35:50 PM PDT by SmithL

NEW YORK - Atkins Nutritionals Inc., the company that promoted low-carb eating into a national diet craze, filed for bankruptcy court protection Sunday, a company spokesman said.

Atkins has been hurt by waning popularity of its namesake diet, which focuses on eliminating carbohydrates such as bread and pasta as a way to shed weight. The diet quickly became one of the most popular in U.S. history, spawning numerous derivatives and a virtual cottage industry of low-carb regimens - but also drew criticism from many experts for its focus on fatty foods and low fruit and vegetable consumption.

A hearing on the prearranged, Chapter 11 filing was scheduled for Monday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, spokesman Richard Rothstein said. The privately held company, founded in 1989 by Dr. Robert C. Atkins, said it had reached an agreement with the majority of its lenders to give them equity in exchange for lowered debt.

President and CEO Mark S. Rodriguez said the company has in the past year "adjusted our organization to accommodate a smaller business" and will promote its brands "more broadly for consumers who are concerned about heath and wellness."

After it leaves bankruptcy, the Ronkonkoma, N.Y.-based company will focus on its nutrition bars and shakes, Rodriguez said in a statement.

Private equity firm Parthenon Capital LLC acquired a majority stake in Atkins, in October 2003. Goldman Sachs Capital Partners owns a smaller stake in the company, as does the estate of Robert Atkins, who died in 2003 from injuries he suffered in a fall.

The company said its bankruptcy filing would not affect its day-to-day operations.


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Culture/Society; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: atkins; bankruptcy; diet; dietandeatright; dontfalloffthewagon; eatright; faddietsdontwork; fatisbeautiful; fatmenaresexy; fatpeoplearenice; fatsosdontpigout; fatwomenarehungry; fatwomenrock; fightfatwithlove; krispykremediet; loseweightwithsex; lowcarb; porkersunite; southbeachdiet
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Another fad bites the dust, at least until it comes `round again.
1 posted on 07/31/2005 5:35:50 PM PDT by SmithL
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To: SmithL

He's dead, Jim!

2 posted on 07/31/2005 5:38:05 PM PDT by balrog666 (A myth by any other name is still inane.)
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To: SmithL; 2Jedismom; Maven

1. My kindest thought is that you call it a "fad" because you know absolutely nothing about it.

2. This news surprises me.

Dan


3 posted on 07/31/2005 5:39:39 PM PDT by BibChr ("...behold, they have rejected the word of the LORD, so what wisdom is in them?" [Jer. 8:9])
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To: SmithL

Yep, then next fad will be based around eggplants, turnips, and slugs.


4 posted on 07/31/2005 5:41:51 PM PDT by jwh_Denver (I've waited too long to hate the Mexican government.)
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To: SmithL

my aunt did this ...

she lost a lot of weight real quick, then had major kidney problems and diverticulitis. After hearing her troubles Doctor asked her, " So lemme guess, Atkins diet?" He'd been seeing it all over I guess.

I tried it myself for a bit, but i can't even follow simple diets, oh well, I still have good kidneys and colon...hehe

If you want to lose weight, eat a lil better, exercise a lil more.....amazing results guaranteed!


5 posted on 07/31/2005 5:42:03 PM PDT by Will_Zurmacht
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To: SmithL

Uh-oh...you are in trouble now...this board was/is full of diet of the month/moment fans....


6 posted on 07/31/2005 5:42:11 PM PDT by dakine
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To: SmithL

Uh-oh...you are in trouble now...this board was/is full of diet of the month/moment fans....


7 posted on 07/31/2005 5:42:12 PM PDT by dakine
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To: dakine

hiccup...


8 posted on 07/31/2005 5:42:50 PM PDT by dakine
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To: SmithL

"Another fad bites the dust, at least until it comes `round again."



Nope, the company may be in trouble, but the way of eating is here to stay. They got into trouble selling diet foods, the books are still great sellers.


9 posted on 07/31/2005 5:42:57 PM PDT by need_a_screen_name
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To: SmithL
Another fad bites the dust, at least until it comes `round again.

Actually, I think it morphed into the South Beach diet. The underlying principles are sound, but amenable to refinement.

10 posted on 07/31/2005 5:43:39 PM PDT by supercat (Sorry--this tag line is out of order.)
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To: SmithL
Atkins has been hurt by waning popularity of its namesake diet, which focuses on eliminating carbohydrates such as bread and pasta as a way to shed weight.

The Olive Garden is avenged.

11 posted on 07/31/2005 5:44:00 PM PDT by Texas Eagle (If we're The Religious Right, does that make them The Godless Left? Discuss.)
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To: BibChr

I'm not surprised. The "Atkins" products were appearing in the discount bin of my local QFC months ago. Now onto the Coke diet. Heck, maybe they'll bring back the Ayds diet.


12 posted on 07/31/2005 5:44:01 PM PDT by Clemenza (Life Ain't Fair, GET OVER IT!)
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To: SmithL

Actually it's just been superseded by it's even more popular offspring the "South Beach Diet".


13 posted on 07/31/2005 5:44:30 PM PDT by avg_freeper (Gunga galunga. Gunga, gunga galunga)
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To: BibChr

If one wants to lose weight, keep the mouth shut. Especially around food.


14 posted on 07/31/2005 5:45:16 PM PDT by ChildOfThe60s (If you can remember the 60s......you weren't really there.)
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To: Will_Zurmacht
I can commiserate with the diverticulitis. Been there, had that. Not pleasant at all.
15 posted on 07/31/2005 5:45:29 PM PDT by Keith in Iowa (Liberals...they're so quixotic.)
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To: SmithL
It's probably because Atkins himself died in a freak fall a few years ago, and there is no longer a "face" to personify the program. Wendy's poured $300 million into advertising after Dave Thomas died to sustain the image, did Atkins do the same?

-PJ

16 posted on 07/31/2005 5:48:38 PM PDT by Political Junkie Too (It's still not safe to vote Democrat.)
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To: SmithL
President and CEO Mark S. Rodriguez said the company has in the past year "adjusted our organization to accommodate a smaller business"

Ironically, he was unable to trim corporate fat fast enough to save the company's life.

17 posted on 07/31/2005 5:50:09 PM PDT by headsonpikes ("The U.S. Constitution poses no serious threat to our form of government.")
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To: SmithL

Nah, those who are most successful low carbing know that these frankenfoods stall weight loss. Truth is those who keep it simple and just use real food do best.


18 posted on 07/31/2005 5:51:14 PM PDT by CajunConservative
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To: SmithL

Atkins is a fad?

Its followers treat it more like a relgiion.

My wife's sister can argue the bark off a tree. And then get her started on Atkins and she is really testy!

She claims that she is such a big believer because she lost 36 pounds on Atkins after failing at every other diet.

(Of course she put on 45 pounds after she failed to STAY on the diet, but that's another story.)


19 posted on 07/31/2005 5:52:47 PM PDT by linkinpunk
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To: Texas Eagle

most of the Atkins stuff is actually pretty sensible, so long as you don't take it to extremes.

for example, the processed foods and corn syrup diet we Americans eat isn't particularly healthy.

If you want to drop weight and be healthier try the following:
1. don't eat out for 30 days straight. I'm serious. Everything you eat you must make yourself. You'll save money and eat healthier. Try healthier foods. Cook in volume if youre lazy.

2.Avoid pop. ( As a diet coke addict, I'm guilty, too)Try tea, or gasp...ice water.

3. Sneak in a little exercise. You don't have to become Arnold, but nightly walks, etc. do wonders. If you're up for it, find a physical hobby. even gardening will get you some exercise.

4. Turn Off the TV, Step Away from the Computer. TV stimulates your desire to eat, and turns your brain into mush in the process.

5. Stop smoking if you smoke. it's better to be addicted to nicotine gum if you need a fix.

and you can do all of this of your own free will.
If you want to change your life, then change it.
it really is that simple.


20 posted on 07/31/2005 5:54:44 PM PDT by Will_Zurmacht
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