IT Has become one of the most popular ways to lose weight, but critics have claimed the Atkins diet is a "dangerous, quick fix" that can lead to kidney damage, diabetes, heart complaints and depression.

Yesterday scientists at the Rowett Research Institute in Aberdeen announced they are to carry out a major study - funded by nearly £1 million by the Scottish Executive - designed to uncover the secret of the success of low-carbohydrate diets in an effort to create a new, healthier alternative that is just as good at losing the pounds.

Although an estimated three million people in the UK have tried diets such as Atkins and it has won celebrity backing from the likes of the actors Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, Renée Zellweger and Minnie Driver, a lack of scientific studies means it has not been established exactly how it works.

The Rowett’s project leader Dr Alex Johnstone said: "We want to find out what it is that makes this type of diet easy to stick to, because that is obviously an important part of why people find it an effective way to lose weight.

"Is it the high protein content of the diet which helps to satisfy appetites, or is it another physiological mechanism that is operating?

"We need to increase our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of high-protein, low-carbohydrate weight-loss diets so that we can develop healthier, longer-term weight reduction strategies."

She said that while some had criticised the diet, there was not enough evidence to state that it was actually unhealthy.

"For certain people the Atkins diet would not be suitable and it has come under criticism because it’s low in dietary fibre, fruit and veg. These are all carbohydrates.

"We can all agree that one diet does not fit all. My aim would be to get to the stage where you could say to a particular person, ‘this particular diet would help you take the weight off and you’d be able to stick to it’."

The Rowett’s researchers are looking for obese but otherwise healthy men aged 20 to 55 who do not smoke to participate in the first stage of the study.

Volunteers will be asked to live in the institute’s human nutrition unit for nine weeks, although they will be able to come and go as usual. Food and board will be free.

The menu includes a range of food, such as mixed grills for breakfast, chicken curry and chocolate mousse.

The researchers will examine a range of factors including food intake, quality of life, state of health, physical activity and fatigue.

Obesity and weight problems are at epidemic proportions in the UK, with about 68 per cent of males and 57 per cent of females collectively overweight.

A spokeswoman for Atkins insisted it was healthy.

"There’s a huge misconception that you shouldn’t have any carbohydrates. It’s only during the first two weeks you restrict your carbohydrates, you’re still having your five portions of veg and berries," she said.

"You have less sugary fruits like berries, salad and leafy green vegetables like broccoli."

The Rowett study is being funded by the Scottish Executive’s environment and rural affairs department, which is providing £900,000 over three years.

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Executive said: "Eating a healthy balanced diet combined with regular physical activity is the best way to improve a person’s health.

"However government has a role to play in providing evidence-based advice.

"The aim of this study is to better understand the physiological role that protein plays in overcoming feelings of hunger.

"We expect this study will result in better dietary advice to improve public health and assist in the management of obesity."