ithoughti is correct. The point of the Atkins diet is to first get your body into ketosis and use the fat stores in your body for energy. Sure it's sort of like starvation, but that's what any weight loss method's basics are. You gotta cut down the energy intake enough to the point your body uses it's stores. On Atkins you add impact carbs back into your diet gradually in the phase they call ongoing weight loss. Once you get near your target weight you figure out your "critical carb level" the number of carbs you can take in to maintain your weight.
I've been on it since July and lost 28 pounds. I really miss a good hunk od bread right now, but otherwise it's a fun diet. BBQ lots of brisket and ribs, no sauce.