I have never really had to diet before, but I guess age and my bad eating has caught up to me! I gained 40# in the past year or so. Recently had blood work: Thyroid is borderline, Cholesterol is high. Plus, I was just feeling awful! tired, fat, miserable. I have not felt this good in years! After a week on Atkins, I am losing pounds, inches, and just feel so much better! My energy level is WAY up..So, hopefully, after 3 months on this new life style, I will get blood work drawn again, and won't have to start taking any meds.