There are tons of products out there that promise weight loss. Tons. Oodles. Some promise miracles, some promise even more. But the one thing you can be sure of is that most of them contain chemicals that aren’t necessarily good for you, and you may face unpleasant even dangerous side-effects.

So if you are going to be popping even the best diet pills, you still need to do your homework. CAREFULLY.

If you are overweight, and needing to diet, you should:

  • 1. do some diet research before you begin, in the library and on the internet;
  • 2. consult specialists, your doctor, other dieters;
  • 3. join a group of dieters;
  • 4. get an accurate survey of your current weight, BMI ratio, and other relevant health factors;
  • 5. make a chart or record or diary of your weight loss;
  • 6. include a sensible eating and exercise regime; and
  • 7. set clear diet goals that are attainable.

While many of the magic diets suggest immediate or huge weight loss, it’s best to take most of that with a pinch of salt. After all, what comes off quickly often goes on even more quickly. What you should be aiming for is permanent, successful lifestyle change that results in weight loss followed by successful weight maintenance.