If you do low carb, you should do South Beach instead of Atkins. South Beach is low carb and low fat and is actually healthy. And when you do start eating carbs again, they're healthy ones like fruit, brown rice, whole wheat or multi-grain bread, etc. I lost 10 lbs in the first 2 weeks. But the 1st two weeks are pretty strict. Low fat protien, eggs, nuts (very small amounts) low fat dairy, vegetables. No fruit, sugar, bread, etc. Basically the only carbs you can have in the 1st 2 weeks are the few that are in the veggies. It's hard, but it works. My husband lost 15 lbs. What I like about it is that it's a life change, not a DIET. It's basically just healthy eating. Good luck to your hubby no matter how he decides to lose it!!