I did the US diet to handle an unnatural desire I had for candy, to reduce inflamation in my knees and to start losing weight, lots of weight.  At day 7 I lost 5 lbs and 1 inch off waist and also 1 inch off hips.  Those are the stats, but I got so much more out of following the program.  I experienced a clarity of mind that made making the best choices for me so easy.  I had no cravings for sugar or candy.  When I felt normal hunger (not the gnawing kind on regular diets) I chose the best foods for me knowing I was really feeding my body this time, not some timetable and food chart.  Best of all, I get out of bed in the morning knee-pain free. Awesome.  I went to a wedding on day 7 and actually danced with my husband!  Speaking of husbands, I was pleasantly surprised when the physical side of our romantic life also got a jump-start.  I truly believe that continuing on this lifestyle will give me a lively future, instead of a fog of worry about pain and overweight.