So many weight loss products now promise fast weight loss results, however, is these any real guaranteed they work? Do any of these products live up to the claims made by the advertising companies?

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 were supposed to flush out the fat. They just didn't work, how could they.

3. Guar Gum - this has been proven to cause internal obstructions, not to lose weight.

4. Electrical Muscle Stimulators - sounded great but shown to have no benefits what-so-ever.

5 Eyeglasses that Suppress Appetite - these claimed that a projected image on the retina decreased appetite. Did people really buy this stuff? Absolutely 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. The idea is to replace two meals with a drink and some vitamin supplements. This is not a long term 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 taken three times a day and in no way promotes a healthy eating habit. Weight loss is impossible to maintain once the program 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 were taken from shellfish and are supposed to promote weight loss. They cause diarrhea, bloating, and 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 strong anti-oxidants that do help lower cholesterol and triglycerides, and allegedly promote weight loss. While the anti-oxidant part is of proven, the weight loss portion is not. Also, the caffeine content may cause insomnia and restlessness in some.

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

17. St. John's Wort Supplement. Claims that it will suppress appetite and accelerate weight loss are in no way proven. Much more likely is that it will lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, tiredness, sleeplessness, and cause allergic reactions.

18. Glucomannan Products. The idea is that that two capsules taken with each meal will decrease fat absorption. These are just food thickeners and they are not yet proven safe or effective. Like all things, weight loss can only happen if a healthy diet plan is followed.

As you can see, the "fad diet" market is massive and very nearly 100% of the products are ineffective. You must stay away from these products.

But, losing weight is not some secret and you don't need a miracle product. You need a good plan that you can easily stick to. One fits right into your current lifestyle so no major changes are required. There are some plans like this available but they are few and far between.