Everyone's metabolism is unique. I'm happy to concede that Atkins is effective for losing weight. However, losing weight" and "becoming healthy" are not mutually inclusive.
The only sure-fire way for long term weight loss is building muscle. Btw - I'm not endorsing a high-carb diet - that's only for marathon runners, IMHO.
P.S. - how many pro athletes use Atkins?
The Atkins diet has also been referred to as the "caveman" diet. You can get all the food you need on it by shopping around the edges of the supermarket; you never have to go down any of the aisles, with all of the processed foods.
This is the way our ancestors ate. No bread, no starchy carbs, and no sugar.
Why do farmers feed grain to cattle and potatoes to pigs?
And nobody, including kids, needs to drink milk. Ever.
As to which athletes are on Atkins, I'd wager very few. But most of them burn up carbohydrates pretty quickly. But, there are lots of pro football players, especially linemen, who are simply fat and would be stronger and quicker if they lost a few pounds.
Yes, building muscle mass is the best way to lose weight. But, as you know, professional bodybuilders "diet down" to get in shape for competition.
The FIRST thing they do is cut the carbs, especially the starches.
I doubt that anyone who posted here about this diet is, or will ever be, a professional athlete. We are just real people with normal lives. I do exercise with weights now, and I agree that building muscle is very good for you. And you should be happy to know that low carb diet books like "Protein Power" recommend exercise with weights in addition to lowering carbohydrate consumption. So now we agree on something.
I obviously do not agree with your assumption that this diet is unhealthy. I am more healthy than I have ever been - and my doctor agrees. I am convinced there is ample evidence out there that this is a very healthy way of eating but I will not attempt to change your mind. I only hope that others who might be interested would do their own homework and make up their own minds. I wish you continued good health.