I'm 23 and was overweight throughout most of my youth -- despite being on a year-round swim team and swimming 1-2 hours every day.

I've been on Atkins for the last 9-10 years or so (since just before starting High School). I've gone from 5'10", 230lbs, 38-40" waist to 6', 170lbs, 32" waist and am content with my current weight.

30lbs came off within 3-4 months, 10-15 more within the first year, and the rest was much more gradual. Got to ~175 by my Junior year, and have been between the upper 160's and upper 170's since then.

You can do it!