yes walking builds muscle. 30 mins a day is a good way to start, then increase the time when you feel you are ready. if you walk 30 mins a day every day you will see a difference!

I've lost most of what I have so far (35) by walking 6 days a week 2-4 miles a day expect this past week it was too hot so I did a walk away the pounds DVD. I do plan on doing other things, but I wanted to get my weight down some first.

I also lost about 40lbs before walking to work (3miles a day) and only gained it back when I quit that job.

Just my experience!

(Edit to add this time I am watching what I eat but when I did the 3 miles to work it's all I changed to lose 40lbs)

I usually speed walk with an incline on the treadmill sometime do the elliptical. I can't run anymore, I have bad crepitus in my knees. I've been loosing so far with calorie and carb counting. Its a good way to loose weight in my opinion.