About a year ago I had a better body than both Jude Law and David Beckham in those pictures. But I didn't do any strict diet other than eating healthy food and go to the gym. Using my "method" I would say that it is definitely worth it! Both for the sake of your health and your looks. Nowadays I have children to take care of and don't have the time to go to the gym.
Go to the gym four times a week the first three months. After that three times is enough if you want to slowly gain more muscles and burn more fat. Two times a week is enough to maintain your current state.
Four times a week may be a little bit extreme (well, not really if you have the time), but needed as a kick start to get in shape. Focus on a few muscle groups every day/session, one hour excercise per session, and do some cardio in between to burn fat. I did it like this:
Day 1 - Chest, triceps, shoulders, abs.
Day 2 - Upper + lower back, biceps.
Day 3 - Legs + abs (again).
Day 4 - Cardio.
About food, focus on slow carbs as in the GI method (you should always do this for the sake of your health, no matter if you are on some diet or not) and much protein to build muscles. Fat is ok (required) in decent amounts. Avoid fast carbs as sugar. In fact, this "diet" is the way I eat everyday and not a diet to me. About alcohol, keep it down to a few drinks, two times a week at most, and you are good to go.
