STARS and celebrities who eat a certain way to keep slim may be causing long-term damage to their kidneys, according to doctors

And it is not just the Hollywood A listers who could be putting their health at risk, because thousands of people are following a high protein, low carbohydrate diet which, say experts, could overload the kidneys.

The Atkins diet has grown in popularity since being formulated by American Doctor Atkins in the 1960s, and there will be at least one person in every workplace in the country who follows it to lose weight quickly. Fans include former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell who puts her new trim shape down to the Atkins Diet.

Devotees follow the eating plan which allows them to eat unlimited eggs, cheese, cream, meat, fish and shellfish and consume carbohydrates like bread, potatoes and pasta in strictly small amounts.

Eavesdrop on any conversation and you will at some point hear mention of the wonder and the success of the Atkins diet.

However, nutritionists are becoming increasingly concerned about the long-term effects of the diet and findings of an 11-year study of over 1000 women aged 42-68 by doctors in Boston, USA revealed that women with mild kidney problems, a prolonged high protein diet was "significantly associated" with a decline in kidney function.

Joyce Howarth is from Bolton and follows a similar diet to the Atkins.

"I've been following the Charles Clark diet," she says, "and it's similar in the fact it's high protein and low carbohydrate. I'm allowed to eat about 40 to 50 carbohydrates a day -- a slice of bread is around 17 -- and I find it has really worked for me.

"I've lost weight, feel fantastic and love the fact I can eat cheese, cream and dips and not worry about the calories.

"I also like the fact I don't have to weigh foods and count calories."

Joyce adds: "I know the 'experts' don't agree with the diet but, whatever diet you follow there is always someone who will disagree with its health properties.

"I think the answer is to be sensible with everything."

Mike Gorton is a nutritionist at St George's Clinic on St George's Road in Bolton. He says he has tried the Atkins and the Clark diets himself "purely for experimental purposes".

He says: "I found the Atkins diet made me lethargic and listless and, while the Clark diet allows more carbohydrates, I still wouldn't recommend long term use of either.

"High protein diets cause lots of overwork for the internal organs and that could cause problems in the future."

A typical Atkins menu

BREAKFAST: Eggs and bacon or cheese omelette, sausages and eggs

LUNCH: Large steak with sour cream, salad, more cheese

DINNER: Salmon with cream cheese sauce, steamed vegetables, yoghurt or selection of cheeses