I think the "metabolic advantage" which kicks in during induction helps many people to jump start their metabolism. I'm betting many people looking to atkins have tried many diets and failed, messing up the metabolism. The (almost) abscence of carbs heals that, and enables the body to work as it is supposed to while losing weight (metabolize fat.) I don't think the metabolic advantage ideal was ever meant to be a complete substitute for a calorie deficit. To lose weight, on ANY diet, ever, one must take in less energy than they expend. This doesn't mean we have to go hungry, or slip into starvation mode, etc. etc. It is simply the way the body works. There isn't any way around it. Some people can lose weight on higher # of calories, and some pople have to lower them until they find their body's true satiation point. I think that is a major point- we have to figure out what our true hunger is, and not go above it.