In the US, there's an estimated 50 million people who try to lose some of that extra weigh, though, only 5% are successful. One thing's for sure, beware of fraudulent claims and high costs because there's no magic bullet to losing that extra weight.
Samples of some of the weight loss products on the market today:
* Diet Patch - this has been removed since the 1990's by FDA because they were proven to be ineffective.
* Magnetic Diet Pills - claims to flush out fat, but it doesn't.
* Guar Gum - Causes internal obstruction.
* Electrical Muscle Stimulators - There is no proven effect.
* Eyeglasses that Suppress Appetite - These claim that the projected image on the retina decreases appetite. This has not been proven to work. You'll lose more weight by eating cardboard, than by trying this!
* Weight loss earrings - Through acupuncture, and suppresses appetite.
* Diet drinks that are mixed with beverages or food that are used as meal substitutes. A downside of this is that once a person stops taking the drinks, they will eventually get the lost weight back after a short period of time because they will get that feeling of emptiness in their stomach.
* Diet supplements and medicines that also don't work long-term. Over-the-counter pills that compose of phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride can raise blood pressure and palpitation. While Ephedra on the other hand can cause serious side effects such as heart problems, seizure, stroke, and even death.
For example:
* Herbalife Nutritional Program - Good as two meals, dieters may depend on shakes and follow artificial dieting methods and just don't want food to work into their lives.
* Mega-Thin 100 Formula - Its formula has an anti-fat weapon, though, diet is not emphasized. That's why it's concluded that it has an appetite suppressant.
* Nestle Sweet Success - Recommended to take three times a day and it doesn't promote healthy eating habits. Once intake is stopped, weight loss is hard to maintain.
* Ultra Slim Fast - This plan requires regular exercise but doesn't teach you good eating habits.
* Diet pills with Ephedra and PPA - Many of these have enclosed diet plans. Slimming can come from the diet plan and not the pill intake, and there are risks of adverse side effects.
* Chitosan products - Contains fibers which were taken from shellfish, that can cause diarrhea, bloatedness, and gas. This will only work if a low fat diet is actually practiced.
* Chromium Supplements - Claims that the product will lower blood sugar, body fat, and cholesterol, but it causes anemia and even memory loss. Studies show there is only minimal or no beneficial effect at all.
* Green Tea Extract Products - Known as strong anti-oxidants that help lower cholesterol and triglycerides, and promote weight loss, however, the caffeine content could give you insomnia and restlessness.
* Algae Tablets - Spirulina contains significant nutrients that can be an acceptable food when used as part of a varied diet, but this is very expensive.
* St. John's Wort Supplement - This claims that it'll suppress appetite and promote weight loss, but it could lead to gastrointestinal tiredness, sleeplessness, discomfort, and arouse allergic reactions.
* Glucomannan Products - Claims that two capsules before each meal will decrease food absorption. Known as food thickeners, but this has not yet been proven safe or effective. Weight loss will only happen if good diet plan is actually followed.
Even if you plan to use over-the-counter weight supplements, or even participate in a weight loss activity, the verdict is that you still need to eat fewer calories than you burn to actually lose weight. When picking a weight loss product or program, get as much information as possible about the product or program.