While we’ve seen plenty of catchy names in the diet pill department, YES – Young, Energetic, and Slender, is a step up (not to mention it is a powder rather than a pill). Not only does it attract customers with its catchy acronym – YES – but its full title plays on those adjectives that we’d all love to place in front of our names.

What’s in it?

Young, Energetic, & Slender (YES) is made up of a number of natural ingredients, like Vitamins A, C, & E, but their primary active ingredient is the South American plant extract Cha de Bugre (mostly found in Brazil). Cha de Bugre contains a substantial amount of potassium, Caffeine, allantoin, and allantoic acid. Included with your free bottle of YES are a “personalized diet plan,” exercise tips, body mass calculator, and “more free items,” although these are never stated.

How does it work?

YES works as an appetite suppressant, giving you the feeling of fullness without that second helping in your stomach. In addition, YES is supposed to contain additional fat burning elements, keeping your metabolism working all day. There are really no details regarding the “diet plan” or exercise, which leaves us a bit doubtful of its effectiveness, but there is no doubt that YES is banking on their product to sell itself.

Who does it work for?

There are a handful of testimonials available via the Young, Energetic, and Slender website, so we can at least say that the formula has worked for someone. However, the ingredients in this particular formula are not common weight loss ingredients and have little research to back them up, so it’s difficult to determine how effective YES can be. We have a feeling that results from YES will depend greatly on your situation and may be difficult to maintain over the long-term.

Are there possible side effects?

Although there are no side effects listed via the Young, Energetic, & Slim website (actually, there’s very little product information in general), Caffeine has a long list of possible side effects like jitteriness, nervousness, and sleep-related issues. In addition, YES is said to have a diuretic effect, causing your body to lose vital nutrients. With so little research backing up a relatively new diet ingredient, we have concerns about other possible side effects and would caution you against using Young, Energetic, and Slender for an extended period of time, if at all.

Are there any “bonus” features?

We already mentioned that a free bottle of YES is available, which should last you around 3 weeks. In order to receive your free bottle, you will be enrolled in an autoship program, which is pretty standard with free diet supplements (and may be difficult to cancel). There is also a catchy countdown when you access their website, suggesting that the “free trial” ends in just 15 minutes – however, if you refresh your browser, the free trial is magically available again!

Overall, YES – Young, Energetic, & Slender – seems like it has one too many gimmicks trying to sell a sub-par, un-researched product. As we mentioned regarding the testimonials, we are certain that YES has proved successful for some customers, especially considering its main ingredients. However, there is no evidence to suggest that YES can be used over a long period of time or that it will contribute to sustainable weight loss, since little direction is given in the way of balancing your diet or exercising regularly.

We recently stumbled upon another faith-based diet, Weigh Down workshop, which promises astounding results by following God’s plan for eating. Created by Gwen Shamblin – who claims to have lost weight and kept it off for 20 years now, Weigh Down Workshop offers a number of programs focused on kicking any kind of habit, overeating being just one of them.

What’s in it?

The introductory program, called “Exodus Out of Egypt: Change Series,” includes an 8-week course that you can attend somewhere near you. The Weigh Down website suggests that usually 5-15 people attend the seminar, which costs a one-time fee of $119. Additionally, Weigh Down Workshop now offers a follow-up course called “Weigh Down Advanced” that lasts 10 weeks. This course is geared toward “Exodus” participants who are still struggling with the weight loss concepts they’ve learned.

How does it work?

The premise of the Weigh Down diet incorporates what Shamblin calls “God’s plan” for our bodies – eating only what we need without overindulging or obsessing over food. Shamblin contends that once you give your weight loss over to God, you are able to lose weight simply by taking the focus off of food and putting the focus on the Bible. In addition, while Shamblin states that exercise is important for good health, Weigh Down states that exercise is not necessary in order to lose weight.

Who does it work for?

As with any religious-based program, your commitment to this diet goes beyond blocking out some time for the classes – you need to make sure that you are committed to the philosophy of God-inspired weight loss, or you’re not likely to be successful with the Weigh Down program.

There are a number of testimonials available via Weigh Down’s website, although they appear to focus on women. In fact, there is a “regional rep” for each state, which means that there are over 50 personal testimonials on Weigh Down’s website. While there are a handful of testimonials from men, most of the other pictures on the website – both testimonials and marketing shots – are women only, so Weigh Down is certainly targeting women in their advertising, although there’s no reason the concepts can’t work for anyone.

Are there possible side effects?

The only downside we see to Weigh Down Workshop is that there is limited focus on exercising. Although it is important to maintain your cravings, as Shamblin suggests, we feel that exercise is vital for overall health. However, there should be no negative side effects to following the self-control program Weigh Down Workshop encourages.

Are there any “bonus” features?

There are currently no bonus features offered through Weigh Down Workshop, although there is a gift shop with a number of other products – from music, audio and books to T-shirts, hats and sweatshirts – you are able to share your “Exodus” experience in a variety of ways. Although we are skeptical of a program that minimizes the importance of exercise, we do feel that the idea of controlling your eating habits can work for someone who is committed to biblical principals. However, this program is not likely to work for someone who is skeptical of Shamblin’s approach to the Weigh Down Workshop, which uses “God’s rules” for eating at the center of weight loss.

There’s no question that our culture is obsessed with staying young – and if we can’t stay young, we at least want to look young. RealAge appeals to that youthful spirit who is interested in returning to a youthful look, in this case, a few pounds back. RealAge was created by Dr. Michael Roizen, who is now joined by Dr. Mehmet Oz in supporting this program.

What’s in it?

RealAge offers an individualized health plan, which includes diet and exercise, in an attempt to help you shave a few years off of your appearance and add a few healthful years to your life. You begin by taking a RealAge test to determine where you are starting from, and your personalized plan is developed from there.

The focus of this program is on YOU, which you will see emphasized all over RealAge’s website. Books like YOU on a Diet, YOU Staying Young, and YOU The Owner’s Manual are all available for purchase via the RealAge website. However, a number of tools, like online support, health checks, doctor question and answer, exercise & eating tips (including a number of recipes), and stress relievers appear to be available free of charge.

How does it work?

The RealAge program is a free web service whose goal is to lead people to better health. Certainly there are products available via their website (like a number of self-help books), but the website’s tools are free. We are uncertain how much your diet and exercise plan are tailored to your individual needs (although you are able to enter your personal tastes), but the end result is certainly preferable to attempting to develop a plan entirely on your own.

Who does it work for?

Since this program was developed by a medical doctor, RealAge has a great deal of scientific research to back it up – at least 4 peer-reviewed studies are referenced on the RealAge website, making this a well-developed program. We were a bit disappointed that there were no testimonials available via RealAge’s website, but it does appear that the success of this program is backed by professional research.

Are there possible side effects?

There shouldn’t be any related side effects to following an intelligent plan like RealAge, which advocates a balanced diet and regular exercise, especially since RealAge supposedly customizes your weight loss program to your own needs. The website does provide a standard disclaimer, though, suggesting that you speak with your doctor about any weight-related health concerns or issues that develop after you begin your diet plan.

Are there any “bonus” features?

Since the online version of this diet is free, this may be a good place to start for someone who doesn’t have a lot of background knowledge regarding weight loss. Although the information RealAge presents isn’t necessarily groundbreaking, it has been proven, which isn’t true of a number of fad diets out there. There is no question that RealAge offers a great deal of information free of charge, which is especially helpful for someone on a budget. In addition, we are impressed with the research behind RealAge and see this as a good program for an introduction to healthy lifestyle changes, leading to long-term weight loss.

While “The Day Off Diet” has sound principles – you eat right for 6 days and allow yourself a day to splurge, thus eliminating your cravings – the website appears to promote yet another gimmicky product “on sale” for a reduced price. Although we have no doubt that allowing yourself a little splurge once a week can provide a much-needed mental break, we’re not sure what product The Day Off Diet has to offer for the other 6 days.

What’s in it?

Similar to many online dieting programs, The Day Off Diet includes a list of “green light” foods, which they claim are the menu choices that are key for convincing your body to stop all of its fat stores. Certainly there is some logic behind this theory, but there is no research to support the particular foods that The Day Off Diet recommends, nor is there an exercise regimen to help support your overall health.

How does it work?

According to their website, The Day Off Diet provides you with menu choices based on the most important foods you should eat in order to drop fat. We are most skeptical of their suggestion that their diet can “target” stubborn belly fat, since most research suggests targeting any body part for weight loss is impossible.

While exercise is encouraged for overall health, it is not required on this program. As the title suggests, you are provided with a diet plan for 6 days out of the week, and your 7th day allows you to obey your cravings. While the program states that it is understood you will regain some of the weight you’ve lost on that “day off,” you should eventually learn to reign in that 7th day so that you are losing weight long-term.

Who does it work for?

There is only one testimonial available via The Day Off Diet’s website. As we already mentioned, we are unimpressed with the setup of the website in general, but this testimonial does appear to be legitimate. However, we would like to see a bit more customer feedback before recommending such a product.

Are there possible side effects?

Since The Day Off Diet advocates positive food choices, we see no side effects associated with this product. Their website claims that you will not experience hunger like you may have on other diets, although we generally recommend discussing a new diet program with your doctor before beginning. That way, you can discuss your particular concerns and determine if you have specific health risks that need to be considered.

Are there any “bonus” features?

While there is no free trial to speak of, The Day Off Diet is currently offering a 60-day money-back guarantee. If you are unsatisfied with the premise of the diet after 60 days, the company claims that you will receive a full refund. In addition, The Day Off Diet currently comes with a number of “free” bonus offers, including a recipe cookbook, optional strength training program, and Lookin’ Good While Losing Weight Guide. There is also a “bonus mystery gift” that gives you a way to generate money while losing weight (we are guessing this is some sort of incentive program to encourage people to share their testimonials about the program).

We have somewhat mixed feelings about The Day Off Diet. While there are a number of positive aspects regarding this diet, there is not much research or customer feedback to suggest that this particular program has been especially effective. In addition, it seems to be a “sink or swim” approach; once you have paid the purchase price, you are on your own regarding feedback and support.

After “meeting up” online with dieter after dieter who lost a great deal of weight on the Cohen’s plan, we decided it was time to find out just what this diet entailed. The Cohen’s Lifestyle Clinic, run by Dr. R. Cohen, provides an extensive weight loss plan. Unfortunately, it appears as though this weight loss plan is only available for residents of Australia at this time.

What’s in it?

Cohen’s Lifestyle Clinic includes a complete menu plan, using results from blood tests to determine what kinds of foods your body needs (and what kinds of foods you should avoid). The program promises to use only foods you might find in a standard kitchen, providing specific recipes to help you achieve your weight goals.

The website does suggest “acceptance” to the program, so obviously Cohen’s Lifestyle Clinic may not accept the average dieter. According to the FAQ, it is geared toward someone who is looking to lose at least 8-10 pounds (or 4-5 kgs). In addition, the Cohen’s website suggests continuing whatever exercise regimen you are currently using but not adding exercise if you’ve not currently been exercising (especially if you are extremely overweight).

How does it work?

According to the Cohen’s website, there is a great deal of research that has lead Dr. Cohen to focus his weight loss plan on correcting hormone imbalances in your body. By performing analytical blood tests, Dr. Cohen contends he can determine the correct foods to right these imbalances, causing your body to naturally release the excess fat that it has chosen to store. You are required to have regular blood tests to reevaluate your hormone levels at regular intervals (at weeks 4, 12, 16, & 20, and every 8 weeks afterwards that you choose to remain on the program).

Who does it work for?

As we already mentioned, the Cohen’s Lifestyle Diet is geared toward those customers who have a great deal of weight to lose. There are a number of full-length testimonials available via the Cohen’s website and countless other brief quotes from satisfied customers. The general consensus is that Cohen’s Lifestyle Clinic can lead you to drop a great deal of weight, but it is certainly up to you to stick with the “lifestyle” changes that they recommend.

Are there possible side effects?

We were a bit miffed by Dr. Cohen’s recommendation to avoid exercise while on this program if you’re not already exercising, but certainly there should be no side effects related to following a balanced diet (even if the balance is determined by a specific blood test). Cohen’s Lifestyle Clinic doesn’t recommend their program for those with heart, kidney, or liver problems; over age 65 or under age 15; pregnant or breastfeeding women; vegans; or diabetics on high levels of insulin or other medication.

Are there any “bonus” features?

It appears that there are no bonus features available for Cohen’s Lifestyle Clinic – in fact, we were unable to find any reference to pricing. We have no doubt that this program is quite pricey, although the overall cost is likely determined by the amount of time you continue to return to the clinic.

As we already mentioned, we have no doubt that Cohen’s Lifestyle Clinic works for a variety of extremely overweight customers. It is a bit disappointing that the plan is only available to residents of Australia, but for those who have access to the program, it seems to provide a great deal of guidance regarding weight loss and continued weight maintenance.

According to author, Brian Shilhavy, who has introduced the book Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has Changed People’s Lives & How it Can Change Yours (with a companion website: The Coconut Diet), the secret to all of your diet issues rests with a coconut – more specifically, the benefits of the “good fat” in coconut oil. The premise behind The Coconut Diet is that coconut oil received a bad rap but actually has a number of health benefits that can help you adopt a lifestyle change necessary for weight loss (not to mention a number of other health issues).

What’s in it?

In order to stick to The Coconut Diet, you are required to cut a number of unhealthy saturated fats from your menu plans, but the diet suggests that you replace the bad oils with up to 4 tablespoons of coconut oil daily. The Coconut Diet offers a number of recipes (all suggesting various uses for coconut oil) from shakes and smoothies to soups and condiments. The website also includes a relevant forum as well as informational sections on pet nutrition and peace with God.

How does it work?

The Coconut Diet’s website suggests that coconut oil can serve a number of functions. Specifically related to weight loss, coconut is supposed to increase your metabolism as well as your energy level and help fight off a number of diseases.

Who does it work for?

Since The Coconut Diet focuses especially on fats (as well as eliminating those pesky processed foods), this diet can be successfully paired with a number of low-carb or no-carb diets. The Coconut Diet’s website cites a great deal of research, although the studies are mostly small-scale. There are also a number of testimonials from people struggling with all varieties of health problems, from thyroid and digestive issues to chronic fatigue, yeast infections, and weight problems. However, it’s difficult to determine if coconut oil was the one thing that helped with all of these issues, especially weight loss.

Are there possible side effects?

Because coconut oil can cause digestive issues, The Coconut Diet suggests gradually phasing in your use of coconut oil until you are up to your 4 tablespoon a day. For someone not accustomed to consuming coconut oil, it can cause cramps and/or diarrhea. In addition, if you have other health issues, you should discuss the use of coconut oil with a health professional to ensure that the higher levels of “good” fats don’t negatively affect your health.

Are there any “bonus” features?

Although there are no bonus features included with your purchase of Virgin Coconut Oil, there is a great deal of information available via The Coconut Diet’s website free of charge. While The Coconut Diet includes a great deal of useful research, there’s really nothing ground-breaking about the research (not to mention it doesn’t appear to be peer reviewed or represent large study populations). We have no doubt that adding coconut oil to your diet could provide some positive health benefits. However, we have trouble seeing it as the miracle cure that Shilhavy claims in Virgin Coconut Oil.

Akavar 20/50 diet pills were originally popularized in Europe, but have now made their way to the U.S., complete with their drenched bikini-clad model attempting to sell their product. Akavar 20/50 promises that you can “eat what you want and still lose weight” – all you have to do is give their product a whirl.

What’s in it?

Tracking down the ingredients of Akavar 20/50 was quite a challenge, since the ingredients are not available via their website. We do know that this product contains Caffeine from sources like Xanthine and Green Tea Leaf. Akavar also contains Yerba Mate, Guarana seed, Ginger root, Kola nut, Tibetan ginseng, Cocoa nut, rice flour, yellow #6, red #3, and Gelatin, just to name a few.

How does it work?

Akavar 20/50 works by causing your body to burn more calories than it takes in during the day, although there’s not much information to explain exactly how this happens. As their website states, when you are able to reduce the amount of food that you eat, fat is taken from the rest of your body to keep your metabolism going.

Who does it work for?

The Akavar website does cite a “clinical trial” as evidence that their product works. However, although they claim to have had astounding results with weight loss, there were a very limited number of participants in the study (24 to be exact). Additionally, there are no customer testimonials available at this time (although I did recently receive a junk mail flier very similar to their website, so it’s good to see that they’re spreading the word about their product).

Also, although the Akavar website suggests that diet and exercise will enhance the effects of their product, they claim that you should see astounding results without working out or eating a balanced diet. Even if you lose a great deal of weight using Akavar 20/50, though, you are not likely to keep the weight off if this weight loss is not accompanied by positive lifestyle changes, so you may need to stay on Akavar 20/50 for the rest of your life.

Are there possible side effects?

Since Akavar is loaded with Caffeine-based ingredients, there is a good chance you might be affected by nervousness, jitteriness, or sleeplessness. However, without a complete list of ingredients – or any kind of dosing schedule – it’s impossible to determine what dangers Akavar might present for someone trying to lose weight.

Are there any “bonus” features?

As usual, Akavar presents the “more you buy, more you save” mentality, with a “buy 2, get one free” package. Akavar does seem to stick by their 30-day money-back guarantee, asking that you finish your bottle in its entirety before you cash in your empty bottle to get your money back. However, without customer testimonials, it’s difficult to tell how true they are to their word.

With a product like Akavar 20/50, what you see might actually be better than what you get. Without a complete list of ingredients, a true clinical study, or access to customer testimonials, it’s impossible to determine not only if Akavar 20/50 is effective, but if it is safe to use at all. We can’t recommend a product we know so little about and find that a list of ingredients is vital before you can determine if a supplement is right for you.

Although we all know the kind of vitamins and minerals we should be eating on a daily basis, with our busy lifestyles, it’s sometimes difficult to get in all our nutrients every day. That’s where 12-in-One comes in. 12-in-One is marketed as a vitamin, but rather than a chalky exterior, 12-in-One is a liquid-gel tablet that is much easier to swallow & digest (not to mention loaded with vital nutrients). While a vitamin will not necessarily contribute directly to weight loss, it is certainly important to your overall health. However, a number of negative reviews have us wondering if 12-in-One is worth the hype.

What’s in it?

The 12 separate categories found in the 12-in-One vitamin include: full spectrum vitamins A, C, E, & all Bs; minerals like Calcium, Magnesium, & Selenium; digestive enzymes, crucial oil complex with Omega-3s; essential Amino Acids; whole fruits & veggies concentrates; green super foods like Spirulina & Chorella; anti-aging blend with CoQ10 & Green Tea; nutraceuticals like Luetin, Glucosamine, & Milk Thistle; immune support blend with Echinacea & Zinc; memory & concentration blend, & energy nutrients.

According to their website, 12-in-One contains 117 nutrients, and they have separate formulas available for men and women. Many of the ingredients are found in a number of “all-natural” weight loss formulas. Although 12-in-One is not formulated for weight loss, as we’ve already mentioned, it can ensure that you are getting necessary nutrients while you are trying to drop a few pounds.

How does it work?

The goal of 12-in-One is to provide you with a source of daily vitamins and minerals in an easy-to-swallow & easy-to-digest “Soft-Gel Multi.” 12-in-One is also advertised as fast-absorbing, so it immediately begins working to replenish your body with the nutrients that creator Klee Irwin “guarantees” you are missing.

Who does it work for?

There are currently no testimonials available via 12-in-One’s website (perhaps for good reason). While this product certainly has sound ingredients for a multi-vitamin, it really is difficult to determine what kind of effect it might have on your overall health. Irwin is working to reward customer loyalty, with a price drop of $1 for each month that you commit to using 12-in-One, not to mention a 30-day risk-free trial, but reviews suggest that 12-in-One isn’t delivering on these deals.

There are a slew of customer complaints online for each of these special deals, claiming that the company charges you full-price for each shipment, rarely refunds your money during the 30-day trial, and continues to deduct money from your account after you have cancelled the product. So, beware their “special” deals, since it seems a number of unhappy customers have been burned.

Are there possible side effects?

Unless your body is intolerable to the “gel” formulation of this vitamin, you should not have negative side effects related to 12-in-One. While we usually recommend discussing any dietary change with your doctor, since 12-in-One is simply a multivitamin, unless you have a history of health problems or allergic reactions, 12-in-One appears to be a safe product.

Are there any “bonus” features?

There are a number of bonus features currently available through the 12-in-One website. Although their advertisement looks as though they offer a free trial, you are actually just able to purchase 12-in-One risk-free for 30 days (at the highest possible price, $29.95 per month). Each subsequent month, you can take $1 off the price until you are paying just $24.95 with your 6th shipment. However, if you order 6 bottles upfront, you will be paying the full price of $29.95. In addition, you can also receive free gifts like an audio CD, an e-newsletter, and priority handling, as well as a 50% discount off of related products.

Judging from the consumer reviews posted nearly every day, it’s a good bet that 12-in-One does not have the customer service that they promise. We do believe that 12-in-One is a superior multi-vitamin, but it’s up to you to determine if it’s worth the price of admission, so to speak. You may do just as well meeting your daily requirements by purchasing an off-brand from your local drugstore, especially if you’re already working toward a balanced diet full of important nutrients.

As evidenced by its new name, CarboExpel is supposed to target your excess carbs. Also sometimes called Dietrine Carb Blocker, this product includes a number of claims in its description, including a claim to help you “lose weight the easy way.” Already we are skeptical, since long-term weight loss rarely comes without hard work, but we’re willing to take a closer look at CarboExpel and see what this diet aid has to offer.

What’s in it?

The most important ingredient in CarboExpel is Phase 2, their patented “carb-blocking” ingredient, which includes White Kidney Bean. In addition, CarboExpel contains Chromium and Vanadium.

How does it work?

According to CarboExpel’s website, this particular supplement blocks carbohydrates, curbs cravings, helps manage blood glucose levels & promotes glucose metabolism, maximizes insulin function, reduces fat storage, and increases metabolism. Although carb blockers are supposed to keep the body from absorbing large quantities of sugars, for a supplement with such simple ingredients, this seems to be a number of somewhat unfounded claims.

Who does it work for?

There are a handful of testimonials available via CarboExpel’s website, although research studies using White Kidney Bean have not shown significant weight loss gains. Certainly outside of the CarboExpel website, customer feedback appears to be mixed, but this is often the case with any diet supplement.

A number of the complaints on other dieting-related sites suggest that the idea of dieting “the easy way” provides the dieter with a false sense of security. In essence, this causes customers to gain weight because of their belief – either conscious or unconscious – that CarboExpel negates the need to limit their carb intake. However, the CarboExpel website does suggest that you can eat more of the carbs that you love, but you should still consume a sensible diet and exercise regularly in order to see the best results.

Are there possible side effects?

No matter how many “clinical” tests have proven the worth of CarboExpel (and the fact that
the CarboExpel website claims that no side effects have been reported), there are a number of possible side effects that can result from carb blockers, like diarrhea, abdominal cramps, gas, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, some experts suggest that carb blockers can also block much-needed vitamins and nutrients, which makes them more of a detriment than a help.

Are there any “bonus” features?

The Dietrine website is offering a number of “specials” for CarboExpel, most of which involve the “more you buy, more you save” philosophy. While one bottle is $39.95, you can purchase 6 bottles for just $159.95, which gives you 2 bottles “free.” As with any supplement, though, we recommend trying it out before you invest in larger quantities. In addition, CarboExpel is now offering 3 free gifts with any online purchase: a lifetime online weight loss program membership, a weight loss hypnosis audio download, and an e-book with 71 proven weight loss techniques.

Despite the company’s lofty claims – and seriously tempting free gifts, we don’t see CarboExpel as the answer to most people’s weight loss struggles. While it’s possible that CarboExpel can inhibit your body from turning some of the starches you eat to sugars, it’s a better idea to simply change your diet to address this issue, since a balanced diet and exercise are more likely to be a lasting combination for long-term weight loss.

While Phentermine is a prescription strength weight loss pill, Phenterpril – manufactured by E. Nutrition Research Group – markets itself as the over-the-counter alternative. For less money and without a prescription, Phenterpril’s website claims that you are actually receiving a more powerful product, which is a bit difficult for us to understand, but we’re willing to give Phenterpril a fair shake.

What’s in it?

Phenterpril includes a number of ingredients, which their website points out as an all-natural alternative to Phentermine. The ingredients include: Synephrine, Phenyl-ethylamine, L-Phenylalanine, DiCaffeine Malate, Caffeine Anhydrous, Vitamin B6, Raspberry Ketones, Evodia Rutaecarpa, Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, Guggulsterones 95%, and Ginger.

How does it work?

A number of the ingredients serve as appetite suppressants, while Caffeine-derived ingredients are intended to boost metabolism and burn fat. Although each ingredient has a proposed purpose, we do not see anything new or different about this particular formula, although it is certainly less expensive (and available to a larger customer base) than its prescription counter-part.

Who does it work for?

Since Phentermine is only available as a prescription appetite suppressant for patients who are extremely overweight or obese, Phenterpril claims to fill in the gaps for those weight loss customers who have fewer pounds to lose. There are 4 testimonials available via Phenterpril’s website, which also claims that “100s” of people have been able to lose weight with the aid of this product. Honestly, we are unimpressed with this number, since a diet pill with a free trial normally reaches a wider weight loss audience.

Are there possible side effects?

According to Phenterpril’s website, there are no adverse effects related to taking this particular diet pill, although they do suggest avoiding Phenterpril if you are “sensitive” to stimulants, since there are a number of stimulants in this product. Honestly, we are concerned about the safety of such a product, which is loaded with Caffeine. Whether or not it truly suppresses your appetite, we feel that Phenterpril may cause sleep-related side effects, which is why dosage instructions suggest taking it with your morning and noon meals.

Are there any “bonus” features?

Currently, Phenterpril is offering a 30-day guarantee through their website. Although you do have to pay for the product upfront (and of course receive price breaks for purchasing larger quantities of Phenterpril), you can return the product – used and unused portions – within 30 days for a full refund (minus shipping, of course).

While it appears that Phenterpril is willing to stand behind their product, we don’t really see how Phenterpril sets itself apart from a number of other weight loss pills currently on the market. Rather than relying on an appetite suppressant to curb your hunger pains, we suggest following a balanced diet and exercising regularly, since these are the most effective ways to lose weight and keep the weight off.

While most current diets include some mental aspect as part of their plan, not as many focus on the spiritual aspect of your life as well. Thin Within is a religious-based program that has been around for 30 years. While it began as a secular program, it has now developed into a non-denominational Christian program aimed at helping you exorcise your food-related demons.

What’s in it?

There are a variety of products available through the Thin Within website, but it is up to you to put together the “package” you are interested in, since it appears that the products are marketed and sold separately. Their paper-version supports include: Thin Within Workbook #1 Kit; Thin Within CDs; Thin Within Workbooks #2, 3, & 4; and a couple of other books, Thin Within and Thin Again. In addition, Thin Within offers an online support forum as well as local support groups, emphasizing the fact that you should not approach this “spiritual transformation” on your own.

How does it work?

Rather than focusing exclusively on any one diet and exercise program, Thin Within focuses on helping you adopt healthy lifestyle changes that will lead you to long-term weight loss. The program recognizes that everyone is different and needs a different physical diet plan, but at the core of weight gain, they contend, is a spiritual void that must be filled before you can lose weight long-term.

Who does it work for?

There are about a dozen full-length testimonials available via Thin Within’s website as well as additional quotes from other satisfied customers. Also, there is a separate list of endorsements from counselors, pastors, and physicians. Obviously Thin Within is a program that takes physical, emotional, and spiritual discipline, so while the program has worked for a number of people over the past 30 years, if you are not interested in a faith-based healing program, Thin Within may not be the program for you (although program information contends that the approach can work regardless of your religious beliefs).

Are there possible side effects?

Since Thin Within advocates positive lifestyle changes, there should be no side effects related to this program. However, it’s always a good idea to discuss a new health plan with your doctor, especially if you are at risk for other weight-related diseases or have other health concerns.

Are there any “bonus” features?

There are no “bonus” deals available via Thin Within’s website at this time – what you see is what you get. This is a no-nonsense program focused on “allowing God’s power to set you free to exercise self-control.” This is a philosophy you either buy into or you don’t – it doesn’t seem to us that there is a middle ground where Thin Within is concerned.

So, if you feel that a religious-based approach to weight loss is the answer you’ve been looking for, you might give Thin Within a try. If you’re skeptical that the power of God can truly help curb your unhealthy eating habits, Thin Within still suggests that the methods they employ can still be used. However, we are uncertain that such an emotional-oriented diet program will work for someone who is not willing to approach Thin Within from a spiritual as well as a physical perspective.

With all of the online diets out there, including weight loss forums, one man decided to combine those two aspects into a complete diet plan and support package for his wife. Since the support aspect of dieting is so important, Weight Loss Buddy provides the ability to match a dieter up with someone in a similar situation who is trying to lose weight, also providing a number of important tools to help you along the way.

What’s in it?

There are two options available through Weight Loss Buddy. A free option includes 25 weight loss tools and access to the online forums and support. If you are interested in a larger selection of online tools, you can sign up for the Platinum Membership (just $39.95 per year), which provides an even longer list of tools, like food-related tools (recipes, meal planners, calorie-counters), weight & BMI charts, calculators, diet tools, and more.

How does it work?

The goal of Weight Loss Buddy is to pair you with someone who is at a similar place in their weight loss journey who might encounter similar roadblocks to success. By sharing your thoughts with your “buddy,” hopefully you can prevent yourself from experiencing a major setback. In addition, the variety of tools available via Weight Loss Buddy’s website should allow you to effectively track your weight loss goals without having to invest in expensive software.

Who does it work for?

Although Weight Loss Buddy certainly provides a great deal of support from other dieters, it does fall a bit short as far as helping you develop an individualized diet plan. While food and exercise recommendations are included, Weight Loss Buddy is more likely to be effective for someone who already has a solid diet and exercise plan and is just looking for someone to keep them accountable.

There are certainly a number of testimonials available via Weight Loss Buddy’s website, so there is no doubt that the concept of a diet supporter available online has been a solid success. However, keep in mind that much of the onus for losing the weight will still be on your shoulders, since your diet buddy can only encourage you to stick with it. As with any diet, in order to lose the weight, you have to have the motivation to complete your program – no one else can do it for you.

Are there possible side effects?

Aside from perhaps attracting a stalker, there shouldn’t be any side effects related to Weight Loss Buddy. In all seriousness, the concept behind Weight Loss Buddy is absolutely sound, and there should be no side effects related to using online tools to track your food and exercise input (unless you count the possible carpel tunnel).

Are there any “bonus” features?

As we already mentioned, it is possible to sign up for Weight Loss Buddy at no charge, although you can also upgrade to the Platinum Membership for $39.95 per year. Honestly, we’re not sure if the average person would even have time to explore all of the options available with the Platinum Membership, so we recommend beginning with the free program to determine if the extra tools are really necessary. However, for such a wide variety of tools, the upgrade seems as though it would certainly be worth the $40 a year.

Generally speaking, we wholeheartedly endorse the idea behind Weight Loss Buddy – it is essential for anyone attempting to lose weight to have support. Although we admire the concept, we feel that Weight Loss Buddy could provide a bit more guidance in the food and exercise department, especially since it promises to create an entire plan for the dieter. However, if support is what you are looking for, Weight Loss Buddy may be something that works for you.

Despite – or perhaps because of – the recent injuries users have sustained playing their Nintendo Wiis, gamesters have now come out with a way to exercise using your Wii. Wii Fit allows you to exercise in front of your TV, something that previously only workout videos or treadmills could boast.

What’s in it?

In the Wii Fit package, you obviously receive the game you need to use in your Wii console as well as a Balance Board, loaded with sensors to record your movements as you work out. Wii Fit calculates the calories you burn and your weight & BMI, all the while projecting your image onto your television screen. Personally, we are a bit frightened by the idea of watching our Wii Fit characters get down, but for most people, this is a positive aspect.

Wii Fit includes a number of different gaming options, divided into 4 main categories: yoga, strength training, aerobics, and balance games. These 4 categories include over 40 games, in which you are able to keep track of your progress on an on-going basis.

How does it work?

While Wii Fit doesn’t necessarily contain a full weight loss program – it is lacking food choices and a support system – it certain provides an entertaining way to work out. If you find yourself easily burning out on exercises at the gym or outdoors, Wii Fit may be worth the expense for you (especially if you have already succumbed to Wii fever and you own the gaming system).

Who does it work for?

According to reviews available via Amazon.com (where Wii Fit is available in short supply), Wii Fit has been well received. Out of around 290 reviews, 279 reviewers gave Wii Fit 4-5 stars. Certainly, Wii Fit is marketed as a product that can work for the entire family, and this marketing strategy seems to hold true based on customer reviews.

Are there possible side effects?

There is always the chance of injury with any exercise regimen, and this is definitely the case with Wii Fit. However, as long as you carefully read the accompanying manual, and listen to the cues your body gives you, most Wii Fit users should be able to avoid serious injury.

Are there any “bonus” features?

Right now, not only does Wii Fit not come with bonus features, it’s hard to come by in the first place. In perhaps the smartest move Nintendo has made in a long time, Wii and Wii Fit are not manufactured quickly enough to meet demand, so there is always someone out there looking for Wii Fit.

Currently, Wii Fit is available via Amazon.com for $171.99, with an additional Balance Board (if you’re interested in more than one person exercising at a time) coming in at $24.99. However, you should be able to pick up Wii Fit for a lot less (around $90) through a local retailer… that is, if you can ever find one in stock.

Nothing about Wii Fit is cheap, but there is no doubt that as an exercise program, Wii Fit does offer a number of choices available in an entertaining format. If you’re someone who has struggled sticking to an exercise program, there is a good chance you may burn out on Wii Fit as well. However, if you are someone who enjoys gaming systems and needs a creative way for you or your kids to exercise, Wii Fit should fit the bill.

There are a number of weight loss products on the market making lofty claims, but even we were impressed with the claims ZCA Stack makes – that you will lose 10 pounds of fat in 10 days using this particular fat burner. Now, whether or not we feel these claims are justified is another story, one we hope to unravel in this review.

What’s in it?

Obviously, since a “stack” is a combination weight loss drug, the ZCA Stack has a number of ingredients, including Advantra Z (a patented fat burner containing Synephrine as its active ingredient), White Willow, Caffeine, and Magnesium Stearate.

How does it work?

ZCA Stack claims to work as an appetite suppressant (Advantra Z), energy enhancer (especially via the Caffeine), and fat burner (with Advantra Z). Because this particular supplement is taken before meals, it is intended to curb your appetite and allow you to decrease your caloric intake. Additionally, White Willow is included to help “speed absorption” of the other ingredients, according to ZCA Stack’s website.

Who does it work for?

Since ZCA Stack was invented to replace its ephedra-based counterpart (ECA Stack), is has not been on the market for a lengthy amount of time. However, there are a handful of testimonials available via the ZCA Stack website, and customers are encouraged to submit any new testimonials. According to the ZCA Stack website, this diet pill is intended for those people who want to lose fat only, but it should be combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

Are there possible side effects?

There are no specific side effects listed via ZCA Stack’s website, but there are a number of standard disclaimers, one suggesting that you consult your doctor if you experience side effects (although, of course, no specific side effects are listed). Caffeine can cause jitteriness and sleep disorders for some people, which explains the instructions suggesting that you take ZCA stack before your morning and afternoon meal but not in the evening.

In addition, we were a bit disconcerted by ZCA Stack’s marketing ploy, which suggests you should hurry to purchase this supplement “while supplies last and while it’s still legal!” We see ZCA Stack’s play off of the fact that the FDA removed ephedra from the market as a bit distasteful – there were clearly health risks related to ephedra that brought the FDA into the picture, and affiliating your product with the same kind of weight loss is not beneficial in our estimation.

Are there any “bonus” features?

Currently, there are a number of “considerable discounts” for ZCA Stack (although we question whether or not ZCA Stack has ever truly been sold for its $159.99 retail price). The best single-volume price available right now is $54.99, although there are a number of further price breaks from the manufacturer’s website if you are willing to invest in larger quantities of the product. Although their website gives you thirty days to return any unopened products, we always recommend starting small with any diet pill, since there’s no guarantee that this product will work for you.

Since ZCA Stack is supposed to be combined with a healthy diet and exercise, we actually question the safety of a product that promises such rapid weight loss – most doctors recommend losing just 1-2 pounds per week, and would certainly frown on the potential to lose a pound a day. Most importantly, losing weight so quickly – even if it is the promised fat loss – is unlikely to lead to lasting weight loss. We recommend sticking with the healthy diet and regular exercise rather than relying on products like ZCA Stack whose safety has not yet been determined.

Formerly known as Diet to Your Door, Bistro MD is now taking advantage of the fact that it was developed by a doctor in its new name. The goal is to provide customers with full menu of “gourmet” options delivered “to your door” as the name used to say.

What’s in it?

Aside from the regularly delivered meals, Bistro MD also includes a weekly “information package” which accompanies the meals. While the website has a great deal of information regarding menus and options, there are not many online support options, so once you have received your food, you are on your own.

How does it work?

For the most part, Bistro MD focuses only on the food aspect of dieting, leaving out the exercise and mental support portions of weight loss. While there are two brief articles on exercising in their “healthy facts” section, there isn’t a great deal of guidance regarding the kind of exercise you might pair with Bistro MD, although this is definitely something we would recommend if you decide to try their meal program.

Who does it work for?

There are a number of testimonials available via Bistro MD’s website, and it does appear that the program is effective as far as weight loss goes. However, the main downside to this (and any meal-delivery program) is that it doesn’t teach the dieter how to make positive food choices down the road. As long as you are able to maintain the cost of purchasing the meals from Bistro MD, you should be able to maintain your weight loss, but weight loss results may be difficult to maintain after you return to cooking and eating on your own.

Are there possible side effects?

Aside from unknown food allergies, there should not be any side effects related to eating Bistro MD morning, noon, and night. However, we do recommend pairing Bistro MD with regular exercise in order to maximize your weight loss benefits.

Are there any “bonus” features?

Currently, Bistro MD costs $169.95 per week including snacks, which is quite pricey. Without snacks, a week costs $149.95, and you are also able to purchase a 5-day plan for just $129.95. If you “order now,” you will receive one free meal with your purchase as well as a free diet analysis, which you can complete online via the Bistro MD website.

Although there are no discounted plans, you are able to earn $20 each time you refer a friend to Bistro MD, so if you’re someone who is an expert at talking people into trying new diet plans, you may be able to make a pretty penny referring friends to Bistro MD.

Overall, while we are certain that Bistro MD boasts high-quality food delivered to your door, we were disappointed by the lack of focus on exercise as part of a weight loss program. In addition, there was little scaffolding available to help someone wean themselves off of Bistro MD and begin making positive food choices on their own. For weight loss to be sustainable, it is vital that you learn to make positive health choices on your own, without the help of an in-home delivery system like Bistro MD.

Although the low-carb/no-carb craze has definitely peaked and wanted, husband and wife team Drs. Rachael and Richard Heller have stuck to their guns. Attempting to reach those dieters who struggle due to an unhealthy reliance on carbs and sugars, the Hellers penned The Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet: The Lifelong Solution to Yo-Yo Dieting. Now available via Amazon.com, there is a great deal of information in this book that the authors base on years of research (one as a biologist and the other as a psychologist).

What’s in it?

In their book, The Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet, the authors explain the effect that an overload of carbohydrates can have on your body’s insulin production, basically causing a sugar rush that peters out quickly. The Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet includes an explanation of what you can do to fight or curb your cravings mentally and physically, including a generalized meal plan that allows for specific categories of foods for each meal, with 3 meals a day and no snacks until the weight loss phase is over.

The Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet also has a website that includes a great deal of information, including a variety of low-carb diet plans, cooking tips, the secrets of low-carb diets, and a number of low-carb products. While the diet also encourages exercise to a certain extent, we were a bit disappointed that The Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet doesn’t include exercise as a more integral part of weight loss.

How does it work?

Obviously, The Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet works to wean you away from your reliance on carbohydrates, allowing your body to properly process sugars to avoid future weight gain and improve your chances of losing current weight as well. Additionally, this diet is aimed at reigning in your body’s insulin issues.

Who does it work for?

With close to 300 customer reviews on Amazon.co