Both sides of the story are anecdotal. The problem is that the effects of therapy cannot be measured objectively: all evidence is self-reported.

It's also not a sure thing to assume that only successes are under-reported. Failures can be under-reported too, for various reasons - think of how crimes, especially sexual ones, are often not reported by the victim because of shame and other personal reasons.

I think one of Bud's basic points is absolutely true - this is a flawed system, and in the wrong hands it is ripe for abuse. That does not mean everyone is negatively (or positively) affected. Some people can never exercise and overeat but have no weight problems. Some people can exercise a lot and watch every mouthful and still be overweight.