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Actually the few morbidly obese people I've know who've managed to lost a lot of weight, did lose it the old-fasioned way, with a complete change of lifestyle, eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising. And, interestingly enough, they're the only ones who've mnaged to keep off what they've lost.

As for whether or not the Atkins diet works, I don't know anyone who's been on it for twenty years. And as far as I know, no long term studies of it have been done. If those take place and the results stand up with no ill effects, then I'll believe it.

In any case, we've had flour and sugar (of smoe sort) in our diets for a long time. Rampant obesity is a new phenomenon that has more to do with our behavior than just what we eat.

Count me in the category of people who did it the 'old-fashioned way'.

I lost 100 lbs in a year and a half. Except for fluctuations of <5 lbs, I have kept it all off. My goal is to lose another 15 by the time my daughter graduates HS on 6/5. Don't know if I'll make it, but I'm going to give it my best shot.

BTW, I feel GREAT! I choose my foods very carefully and exercise (brisk walking) 6 miles, 5-6 times/week. I will never be able to 'eat whatever I want', but I can accept that because I have come to enjoy eating healthy. It's a whole mindset.

Congratulations on your success!

Rampant obesity is a fairly recent phenomona...and so are the huge amounts of highly refined sugars and flours in our diets. An insulin dependent diabetic will not likely have any lasting success on a regular diet and exercise regime. Believe me, I know...the insulin you take stores most of what you eat as fat, and because your body is so inefficeint at metabolizing glucose your body is starving at the cellular level. Hence you are always, always, always hungry. It's miserable. I never in my life had a weight problem until I quit smoking, then I gained 50 lbs, became diabetic and then my weight just continually increased...at the rate of about 1/2 lb per week until I was HUGE. I feel like the Atkins diet saved my life...literally. I'm very grateful that I found his book and will pray for his complete and speedy recovery.

And, interestingly enough, they're the only ones who've mnaged to keep off what they've lost.

Truly, the "long-haul" approach to health is the best. It is much less appealing when you feel fat and want to get into some swimwear yesterday, but like you pointed out quick weight loss never sticks.

Any diet that sets you up for rebellion by being basically un-liveable is bad.