By Dr Brigid Monda

A few months ago, we tackled some myths on weight loss and diets. This continues to be a recurring topic and, today, we look at some other misconceptions about weight loss products.

Many of us believe that somewhere in that endless parade of programmes and products that promise maximum weight loss for minimal effort there must be something magical that will work. The reality is that there is no miracle drug; most of these products are worthless, some outright dangerous; a few have proven deadly.

This is so not true because the body burns fat from all available stores reducing overall body fat so you can lose a little weight in a particular area, but not without losing elsewhere too.

Herbal products are safe for weight loss because they are natural.

Most herbal products have not been scientifically tested to prove that they are safe or that they work. Also, some products may be unsafe if used with other medication or may be risky in people with certain medical conditions.

Fat binders work by binding to fats in the food you have eaten and preventing their absorption by the body from the gut. Some fat binders and other weight loss medications have been approved for use but only under the supervision of a nutritionist or medical doctor.

A weight loss programme includes a healthy eating plan and exercise program and binders can only be one phase of a long-term plan, because of their side effects.

They are made specifically for those who are medically obese with high blood pressure or diabetes.

Manufacturers claim that this group of over-the-counter diet pills raise metabolism and help burn body fat but there is no clinical evidence that they do work.

They may also have serious side effects like high blood pressure, severe headaches, seizures, heart attacks and even death in some susceptible individuals.

You will lose quite a lot of weight in a short time because the kidneys are forced to produce more urine to wash out the breakdown products of excess protein called ketones.

But this weight will return in a short time as soon as the body replaces the lost water. The ketones suppress appetite, but cause dehydration, headaches, nausea, tiredness, weakness and bad breath. Also, as the diet limits intake of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, you will lack key nutrients.

There may also be long-term effect on the build-up of fatty deposits in blood vessels, increased uric acid levels causing gout, and the leaching of calcium from your bones.

These diets do not help individuals change their long-term eating habits so weight is re-gained once old eating habits resume.