Article: Fast And Furious; The Atkins Diet has taken Britain by storm, despite warnings that it could cause long-term damage to health. Hardened slimmer Teresa Hunter gave it a try and found it more draining than expected

ARE you sure you want to buy this book?" the sales assistant at Waterstones asks. "I'm not happy selling it to you," she adds, disappearing behind the counter, leaving me to marvel at the rapacity of Britain's retailers.

What would the Americans make of a shop assistant refusing to sell a book because she was worried about its impact on a customer's well- being? But what are we talking about here? The stuff of snuff videos, child rape or a handbook for international terrorists?

No, it is a copy of the Atkins diet.

The assistant returns after consulting with her manager, I suspect, as to whether the company could in any way be held responsible - not as stupid as it sounds, given our ...

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