I have taken Yasmin since last year. I asked my doctor for it because I heard about how it helps to you to lose weight but it didn't work. My doctor told me it probably wouldn't work. It has a mild diuretic effect so if you did lose any weight it would just be water weight and probably only the amount you would retain around your cycle. The only side effects I have had from it is more regular periods. The pill I took beforehand had me having my period every other month. You may get middle of the night leg cramps from loss of potassasium from the diuretic, but my Pharmacist said just to be sure to drink extra water if that happens. If you are following the Atkins guidelines of drinking 8 glasses of water a day you shouldn't get leg cramps. I hope this helps. Others may have had other experiences with Yasmin. This is just my experience.