I lost about 25 pounds and reached my "goal" on the South Beach Diet. It's somewhat similar to Atkins, but seems more reasonable - the right carbs and fats rather than no carbs and any fats (I know, that's an oversimplification of Atkins and I haven't tried Atkins), It also seems easier to maintain. I'm now eating relatively normally without gaining - 9 months after starting on South Beach.