I think this is a really interesting article. Unfortunately, it's hard to be 'realistic,' rather than despairing around the issue of weight when:

1) Western society worships extreme thinness
2) Most weight-loss routines (eg low calorie) are impossible to sustain over the long term
3) Even people who should know better - like Atkins - emphasize the rapid weight loss possible - but probably not all that common! - when low-carbing.

From what I've been reading in this forum and on the Atkins board, slow weight loss (1-4 pounds a month) seems to be the norm, rather than the 10 pounds a month averages Atkins goes on and on about in his book. I know extreme promises sell books, but I wish he'd used a broader spectrum of 'case studies.'