My initial motivations for low carbing came from those who were losing weight and looking and feeling healthy whilst doing it. I saw their blood work (most low carbers tend to be so excited about their results they share them and the documentation to prove it
). When I started doing it myself, my doctor visits proved what I expected it would...a vast improvement of my blood profile and no adverse nutrition issues. Saturated fats are no problem at all when your body is burning fat for fuel as it's primary source (ketosis). Saturated fats are healthy, but unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are not. Eating low carb is a scientifically proven method for not just weight loss, but chemical imbalances in the body.
The BEST advocate for living a low carb lifestyle is being fit and healthy as the result of following one. I smile when I think of how many years I have added to life by dumping all of that unhealthy weight and eating real food. Last year, I quit my most serious vice which was smoking. More years.
As far as Mercola and other individuals who preach nutrition, only the science is really important. I do not follow individuals, just the science. For me, the Atkins research and methods have worked, but
the science is what makes it work. Science does NOT back your claim that saturated fats are bad. I am talking about actual nutritional science, not the Big Food "mainstream" consensus (which also gave us the ridiculous food pyramid and whose interest is in selling products). When I see people who are avoiding these fats by eating "fat free" actually losing weight and becoming not obese, I will listen. What I am seeing is that they all are still fat and many become fatter. Low carbers lose weight and become healthier, and we eat LOTS of saturated fats.