The Dukan diet: Four slimmers give their verdict

                                                                                      Dr Pierre Dukan's book has sold more than seven million copies

A court in France has ruled in favour of a nutritionist who described the popular Dukan diet as dangerous. Dr Pierre Dukan had brought a libel case against his rival Dr Jean-Michel Cohen, who had said the protein-rich diet could cause heart disease and breast cancer.

The Dukan diet currently features on non-fiction bestseller lists in both the UK and the US, and was France's best-selling book last year. Well-known devotees range from the Duchess of Cambridge's mother, Carole Middleton, to singer Jennifer Lopez.
The diet begins with an "attack phase" when only protein and oat bran may be eaten. In phase two, non-starchy vegetables can be added every other day. Ultimately, you are allowed to eat normally, but with one protein-only day per week. Exercise is obligatory.
Here four people who have tried it describe their experiences. Below that, the verdict of Dr Elisabeth Weichselbaum of the British Nutrition Foundation.

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