I don't know about the gaining strength aspect of it, I wouldn't think so(gain alot of strength), but my wife used it when she was doing the fit for life with great results in the weight loss department. she was new with the weights, so am not sure what kind of impact it has on strength gains/losses. But any time you suffer a calorie deficit of any kind, you can expect to lose some strength. Good luck...
-------------- The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary!