The Diet Product industry brings in mega bucks. Advertising and marketing targets those in need by stressing quick results. When suffering from chronic dieting or being overweight, it is easy to fall prey to the many available products ranging from pills, herbs, and teas to strict eating and controlled regimes to powder meal formulas and combinations of them all. Talk to your average dieter and they most likely will tell you that they have tried at least a half of dozen of these alleged "weight loss miracles".

What is it?Hoodia gordonii is a cactus-like plant that is native to the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa. There are claims that it has appetite suppressant capabilities.

How does it work: Hoodia is an appetite suppressant at best. It does not burn fat or increase metablolism.

Pitfalls: So often, over-eaters eat whether hungry or not. So the benefits of this particular product may be limited.

Adverse Effects: none known but little done in conducting studies. Those with liver or kidney, diabetes or other chronic or serious conditions should always consult a physician before starting any weight loss diet, plan or supplement.

Approximate Cost: $32.00 + for 30 pills

What is it? Alli is an FDA approved, over the counter weight loss pill that helps you to lose weight naturally

How Does It Work? The Alli pill works by preventing your body from absorbing 25 per cent of the fat in the food you eat. The fat in foods has more calories than protein and carbohydrates (more than double). By eating a reduced/low fat diet, and a reduced calorie diet while taking the Alli pills, you can lose more weight than just dieting alone.

Pitfalls: The side effects of Alli are bowel changes that happen when you ingest too much fat in your diet. These include loose bowel movements; oily spotting from your rectum and frequent bowel movements that could be hard to control. There will be some spotting in the toilet as well - something that resembles oil, which is the undigested fat that has harmlessly passed through your body. Eating a low fat diet will curb these side effects.

Can it Work? By eating a reduced/low fat diet, and a reduced calorie diet while taking the Alli pills, you can lose more weight than just dieting alone. There are many supports available by the manufacturer. It has a psychological component as there are real consequences if you eat a high fat meal; after doing it once, you will never want to do that again, the side effects can be that bad.

I will be adding infomation on other diet aids, programs and other solutions. I have tried so many, succeeded at some ailed at others. If you have a program that yo have worked, or a product you have tried, feel free to share your experience. We "dieters" need to stick together to et the inside track!