I did try the Atkins Diet many years ago. It worked to some extent, in that I lost about a stone in weight - BUT - I felt terrible, my breath smelled awful, I was constipated and constantly thirsty. My skin (which has always been my best asset) went spotty and sallow and my hair became lank and lifeless. My sister (who's a doctor) begged me to stop, as she said the high-protein diet damages the kidneys. Also, as she pointed out, you can't keep it up for the rest of your life, and must eventually eat a well-balanced and varied diet, so it's best to choose a 'diet' that involves healthy eating forever. I'm fat today, but I don't diet; however, I'm old so I don't worry about it nowadays!