....that's how it effects me anyways. I've been on & off it so many times it's no longer funny.
In my experience, you WILL lose the weight... without exercising. Your numbers WILL be better. But you need to have the highest discipline not be walking around in a constant state of cravings. Let me say that again.... "you need to have the highest discipline". Which I do not. The one time it worked for me... it lasted almost 4 months (Atkins). Lost 14 lbs. in the initial 2 weeks (mostly water weight). And it felt pretty good. I continued with the program, and lost about 30 pounds. And it apparently looked good on me as I was receiving many compliments. However by that time I was really sick of the cravings. So I began to cheat a little here and there. And it wasn't long before I was back to where I began. Since then I've tried it several times, and I can't even stick with the initial 2 weeks. I cave to the cravings at about 1 to 1.5 weeks....
What it has taught me? The best I can do is to moderate the carbs & sugar, and seriously watch my portions. But even that, doesn't always work.
So after all that... I got nuthin'.