weight loss aids... bad idea??

If you are considering a weight loss aid, talk to your doctor. Use his/her counsel to decide if it's the right choice for you, and use it under care of the physician.

But at some point you will have to learn to eat at maintenance without the use of aids, so make sure that is your ultimate goal. Don't look at weight management as something that has a "Whew, I'm glad that's over" point, or you'll likely end up right back where you started.

If you are considering a weight loss aid, talk to your doctor. Use his/her counsel to decide if it's the right choice for you, and use it under care of the physician.

But at some point you will have to learn to eat at maintenance without the use of aids, so make sure that is your ultimate goal. Don't look at weight management as something that has a "Whew, I'm glad that's over" point, or you'll likely end up right back where you started.

This is good advice. If you are struggling with losing then either you aren't doing it right or you have a medical condition. Your doctor can run tests to see if there is a medical issue. I wouldn't take anything that's available over the counter. They will not work and leave you frustrated and with a lighter pocketbook.

Consider this: If the detox's were that great, they would be mostly available through scripts, and the doctors would prescribe them more.

I've been doing this for nearly 2 years, and haven't heard any of my doctor's or nutritionists suggest doing detox's. One of them offered diet aids to help "curb my appetite" - but the problem is, I don't eat because I'm hungry. I'm an emotional eater. Taking something to curb my appetite isn't going to help me.

It would be more worthwhile to find a counselor or therapist to help understand why you turn to food when you feel stressed or help find other ways to deal with the triggers that lead you to want to eat.

For the most part they are a waste of money and in some cases can be harmful.

AIDS costs a lot of money!

I agree. AIDS can be effective for weight loss but there are healthier options out there.

I have a very good friend who tried some of those miracle weight loss things and cost her all but her life. She has had numerous heart surgeries since, attributed to the "Miracle Pill".

My advice is STAY AWAY FROM ANYTHING THAT PROMISES QUICK RESULTS WITH LITTLE OR NO EFFORT!!!!!!!

Proper nutrition, proper diet, regular exercise and a commitment to make it a life change ALWAYS works!!! Don't neglect a good balance of these three and you'll avoid the ups and downs of dieting.

There really are some very good "helps" out there, but a consistent daily routine will do more good for your body than any pill, cleanse or detox. Quick fixes may cause more problems than you wish to deal with.

Hope all goes well with your weight loss goals!!

I heard raspberry ketones were great but you have to take the concentrated form, not mixed with anything else to get results. They cost a fortune!

It's a scam, darling; the proven way to lose weight is calories in vs. calories out. No magic food or pill will facilitate weight loss, and a huge red flag to "scam" should come from the "it costs a fortune!"

AIDS costs a lot of money!

Win!

Honestly, your best weight loss aid is a gym membership. They cost about the same or less and will do your body good and not harm. Understand that I am not one of those guys that rejoices in being a jerk about things such as this and I am not intending this as a sarcastic statement at all. The gym membership, if it is at a quality gym that will provide support will give you a lot of support. Many will even offer nutritional counseling and hopefully, if you find a family gym that does not cater to all the jock-type super-macho types, you can find support and a family of folks that will encourage you in your journey rather than make you feel less than you are because you don't yet look like a super-woman or something.

Most of the diet aids out there operate through either stimulants (caffeine being a major one) or through some type of altering the fat absorption process or some combination of the two. If you want caffeine, coffee is cheaper and just as potent -- though you may have to drink several cups to equal the dosage... just don't over do it, caffeine can affect the heart as one parent found out recently when their child ODed on energy drinks and died. As far as fat absorption methods, at the least you will find yourself in the bathroom a lot (if you want this, eat plenty of fiber) and at the worst it can affect the liver. At least one major weight loss company has lost a class action lawsuit for the untimely deaths associated with liver problems causing death of those using their product... the product, by the way is back on the market in another form.

The best way is simply ... diet and exercise. The component many of us are missing is the exercise component. Don't focus just on cardio but also on strength training as well. Realize though that your scale will not move as fast with strength training BUT your inches will move faster. Eat a well balanced diet in moderation.. Plenty of fiber, carbs, and protein. Fats are also necessary because some of your vitamins such as A and E are oil soluables so you need some. Try to make sure your carbs (needed for energy) are not the processed types such as sugars and chips but rather the type you get in whole foods such as potatoes and corn. Whole foods are better than processed but most of us also eat processed foods as well.

The main thing is to develop a plan and stick with it even when the going gets tough. See your doctor first as with any weight loss or fitness endeavour and see what they have to say. (I bet it is similar to what I have written). Then COMMIT to it. The best tool in the world is worthless in the hands of someone who either lacks the knowledge, skill or willingness to use it. Decide NOW and forever that (Forgive the phrase if you will) come "Hell or High Water" you are going to do this... and you are doing it for YOU .. not anybody else. You can do this and I wish you the greatest success on your journey!