ConsumerFreedom reports that that the AMA has censured the so-called “Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine” (PCRM). Important points include:
- “This misnamed ‘physicians committee’ represents a tiny fraction of America’s doctors who place animal-rights ideology above their patients’ health
- PCRM has asserted itself as a home for anti-meat, pro-vegan nutritionists who are committed to removing beef, dairy, poultry, and other animal products from the American diet for good.
- The established medical community has soundly rejected PCRM’s dietary advice in the past.
- The American Medical Association has written that it
finds the recommendations of PCRM irresponsible and potentially dangerous to the health and welfare of Americans.
- In a separate public censure, the AMA marveled at
how effectively a fringe organization of questionable repute continues to hoodwink the media with a series of questionable research that fails to enhance public health.
- PCRM has long-standing ties with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which has funneled over $850,000 to its medical front group.
Most Americans are too smart to knowingly take dietary advice from PETA. But when animal rights activists put on the sheep’s clothing of the medical profession, it becomes harder to know who’s credible. Force-feeding animal rights propaganda to Americans doesn’t sound very ‘responsible’ to me.
Personally I’m amazed at the FUD that surrounds the entire low-carb way of eating, but to have it cloaked behind a political agenda (and PETA is nothing but a political action committee) at the utter disregard of people’s health is disgusting.
Fortunately my doctor was well-informed about it. After having been on Atkins since the end of August I went from this picture in May to this picture in mid-October.
Note: Yes I know that the Consumer Freedom group also has an agenda, but I wasn’t suggesting anyone take their advice either. My reference to them had was simply because they were the source material for the AMA’s censure. The American Council on Science and Health has also had concerns about the mis-representation of the PCRM and also had questions about low carb as well.
Of course the ACSH also refuses to believe that a calorie is not a calorie as was shown in a recent study. Dr. Atkins and others said this for a long time and were consistenly scoffed at. They all complained that Atkins hadn’t done enough scientific research. Now there is a study that showed exactly what he said. It will be fun to see how folks respond.
Update (2004-02-11): PCRM illegally obtained Dr. Atkins medical records and falsely accused him of being obese at the time of his death. Read The Truth about Dr. Atkins’ Weight…. Not that his weight has anything to do with the validity of his claims about low carb eating, which have been demonstrated for 30+ years ….