First let me say that I am a new member of this forum and I am on the Atkins Diet which I started on October 24th, 2001 and as of today I have lost 17 pounds. First and foremost, is that safe? And secondly when you lost weight, body fat, or whatever, how do you lose it? Does it excrete your body through bowel, urine, or sweat or am I completely off? Someone educated please help me!!