I'm anti-PETA but not pro-Atkins. Frankly, I find a low fat diet much easier for me, and I'd probably be physically ill after a week or so on it. Most of what I eat is probably carbs, but that's just my nature, but I can still have whatever meat I want (it's low fat, not no fat, and I really don't have the desire for large portions of red meat any more).
Yes, there is more than one way to lose weight. I change from Atkins to higher carb calorie counting and back. I've lost more with Atkins than any other though except....I went on Richard Simmons Deal a Meal ten years ago and the weight really fell off but it is a very tough diet to stay on and requires careful meal planning.
When I worked in the Pentagon, I lived over by Capital Hill in DC. I rode my bike to work and just that modest exercise allowed me to eat a lot more of the good stuff.
I did the math the other day to try to get the best estimate on the amount of cookies I've eaten in my lifetime. By my reckoning I've eaten over 2000 lbs. of cookies in 49 years. And that does not include doughnuts, cake, or other sweet foods.
I',m 6'3" and currently weight 218.