"i agree, the awful side effects only happen when you deviate from the low-fat, reduced calorie diet. i have tried so many things and this is really the only thing that has worked for me. i have been taking it for a month now and have lost 6 pounds! in the past, i was only able to lose about half a pound a week on low calorie diets (fasting, intermittent fasting, whole 30, weight watchers, etc). i have not had any accidents because i am afraid to eat anything that might make the side effects occur. it is such a great deterrent for me and it is working! i plan to take it until i lose another 30 pounds."