“The ever-popular program called Atkins basically involves extremely low-carb intake, or even none at all.”

While there are people out there that eat little of no carb on a regular basis, that is NOT Dr Atkin’s plan. Vegetables are a must as is exercise.

“Another problem with the Atkins is the sugar cravings that many people will have because of the drastic reduction in sugar intake.”

This is a common side effect, kinda like quitting caffeine, or cigaretts. The cravings normally are gone within a few days, a week for some. Once you get out of eating carbs, you stop craving them. And hunger is rarely a problem because the carbs that are eaten are high fiber ones, fat slows digestion, and protein increases saiety.

Atkins and other plans usually emphasise that, at least in the beginning, you don’t have to count calories. People do lower their intake, but isn’t that the whole idea? If they lower it too much and get into trouble we should blame Dr A? So if I go on Dr Ornish’s plan and “completely eliminate” fat and end up in the hospital, would you blame Dr O?

“If you’re trying to do Atkins, please do not combine it with heavy exercise.”
Dr Atkins, and all other plans that I am aware of, emphasise that exercise is not an option. Some (most) do recommend taking it easy at first, but once your body gets used to not having a high carb intake, performance is at least as good in most people.

“While the diet recommends a higher intake of protein, and lower of carbohydrates, it does not mean you can consume as much meat or fatty food as you wish.”
And neither does the plan say that.

“That will be a sure way to damage your kidney and liver. Maintain a high intake of vegetables and fruits to lessen the impact.”
High intake of fat or protein does not cause kidney or liver damage. High carb intake causes fatty liver. High protein with kidney disease should be monitored. MOST plans are not high protein, but adequate protein. Atkins is higher in fat than most (I believe), but the emphasis is on fresh, natural fats.

“The best thing is still to have a balanced diet and a good exercise program in place.”
Absolutely! And that is what Dr Atkin’s plan, and most plans, are all about.