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There are many weight loss products that promise fast weight loss results, however, are these really guaranteed to work? Can these products live up to the sales pitch and hype we are given?

In the US there is an estimated 50 million people who are trying to lose weight. Unfortunately, and this is a sad statistic, only 5 per cent are successful. Something is going on - let’s look at some products and see if any of them have proven results.

1 Diet Patch - already taken away by the FDA since it didn’t work.

2. Magnetic Diet Pills - these flushed out unwanted fats. No, really, they didn’t.

3. Guar Gum - proven to cause internal blockages which in no way promotes weight loss.

4. Electrical Muscle Stimulators - no benefits what-so-ever.

5 Eyeglasses that Suppress Appetite - the claim was that a projected image on the retina decreased a persons appetite. As you expect, this does not work.

6. Weight loss earrings - acupuncture of the ears suppresses appetite. No, people with earrings don’t lose more weight then people without.

7. Diet drinks. A solution for short term dieting as weight loss can be achieved. Let us look at the big picture and the long term. Once a person stops taking the costly drinks, they will regain the lost weight, and usually, more weight.

8. Herbalife Nutritional Program. Replace two meals with a drink and some vitamin supplements. This is not a solution to weight issues and let’s face it, who wants to replace two meals - we like to eat.

9. Mega-Thin 100 Formula. It’s a formula that supposedly contains an anti-fat weapon. In fact it is just a short term appetite suppressant that will soon wear off and weight gain will start.

10. Nestl’s Sweet Success. A supplement to take three times a day which in no way promotes healthy eating habits. Weight loss is impossible to maintain once the intake is stopped. This is a very costly weight loss program that will not work in the long term.

11. Ultra Slim Fast. This plan actually requires a regular exercise program, which is not a bad thing, but it does not promote healthy eating habits that are required for long term weigh loss success.

12. Diet pills with Ephedra and PPA. Many of these have enclosed diet plans that work in conjunction with the pills so it could just be the new diet that loses the pounds. There are known risks with these pills such as heart problems, seizure, stroke, and even death - just don’t take them.

13. Hitosan products. These contain fibers which are taken from shellfish and supposedly promote weight loss. They do cause diarrhea, bloating, gas and will only work in any way if an ultra-low fat diet is practiced.

14. Chromium Supplements. These claim they will lower blood sugar, body fat and cholesterol but have been shown to cause anemia and even memory loss. Studies have shown no long term beneficial effects.

15. Green Tea Extract Products. These are known as anti-oxidants that will help lower cholesterol and triglycerides, and also promote weight loss. While the anti-oxidant part is of little doubt and very benefical, the weight loss portion is still to be proven. The caffeine content can cause insomnia and restlessness in some, but agina, may be benefical in small amounts.

16. Algae Tablets. Spirulina contains significant nutrients that can be a useful food when used as part of a varied diet. These may be beneficial as part of a larger weight loss plan but are ineffective by themselves. They are also very costly.

17. St. John’s Wort Supplement. Claims that it will reduce appetite and promote weight loss are not confirmed. It is much more likely that it will lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, tiredness, sleeplessness, and allergic reactions.

18. Glucomannan Products. The claim is that that two capsules before each meal decrease food absorption. These are known as food thickeners and are not yet proven safe or effective. Like all of these things, weight loss will only happen if good diet plan is followed.

As you can see, the “fad diet” market is huge and very nearly 100% ineffective. You must stay away from these products.

But, weight loss is not a secret and you do not need a miracle product. You need a good working program that you can easily stick to. One that fits immediatly into your lifestyle so no major changes are required. There are few programs like this available but they can be found.

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