I used this plan some 16 years ago and lost 55 pounds. I know it works for me. BUT I'm not sure how well it works for me now. I've just started AGAIN. We'll see. I have found that the times I started after that initial loss (because you know if you get off the plan and go back to "normal" eating, the weight goes back on!), I had a difficult time with the constant food prep to make sure I had the right stuff to eat. But I am going to try - once again. It's always good to lose the retained water too!