[Kloie's MOM]

I have heard all of this talk about the different diet pills people are trying. I am thinking about trying one myself. I have about 20lbs to lose including belly fat. What has worked for you or what have you heard about them?

[Eileen G]

What works is a good diet and eating less. I'm sorry, there are no real short cuts.

There are some pills that claim to reduce appetite, but most people don't eat because they are hungry, but because it's meal time, or because the food smells good. If you've ever said "I'm stuffed, what's for dessert?" appetite reducing tablets will be no use to you.

You can also get OTC tablets which stop your body absorbing some of the fat in the food you eat. This can result in some seriously nasty side-effects involving pooping your pants. The website for the best known of these tablets advises you to wear dark trousers and carry spare underwear. Over a year, you can expect to lose an extra 3lb using this medication over diet alone.

If you have a lot of belly fat, you probably are heading for insulin problems. The best diet for you is one where you cut out all the junk and white carbs and replace with green vegetables and fresh fish etc. No sugar, bread, pasta, rice, cakes, biscuits, fries, etc etc. Instead, go for fresh whole food, and pile on the veggies.

Deep down, you probably know what you have to do. Stop eating the junk, and eat smaller portions. Try to walk more and watch less TV, and go to bed earlier.