When the line between nutritional product and dietary supplement is blurred

Don't get brainwashed into thinking that just because you're taking your daily multivitamin or multimineral, you'll be able to lose weight and keep it off. Good nutrition and wellness is important, of course, but if you need to lose a lot of weight and have failed to do so in the past, you need to go straight to the source.

CKLS claims to offer one of the most potent holistic formulas for general nutrition for both men and women. The product is supposed to contain natural ingredients, which is good, but these ingredients are not likely to be powerful dietary agents. Some reports suggest that the product can increase the frequency of your bowel movements, for what that's worth.

While there are no magic pills...

I've had varying degrees of success with the weight loss supplements I've used over the years, and I have to say that the ones that worked had a few things in common: They contained only the highest-quality, naturally derived ingredients and the company offered special bonuses on the side.

What kind of bonuses, you ask? Well, a supplement like Miracle Burn probably doesn't need a long introduction; it is well-regarded in the industry for combining Hoodia, an appetite suppressant, with the fat burner Advantra-Z. But it's especially nice to know that a free trial is available directly from the company, as is a money-back guarantee.

Beware of anal leakage -- that's right, anal leakage

Of all the side effects that you can experience from a weight loss supplement, anal leakage may be among the nastier reactions reported by consumers. Certain products might be advertised as side-effect-free, but when it comes down to it you're likely to experience some of the least expected side effects.

A product found at www.myalli.com is marketed as one of the superior weight loss products on the market, on the strength of natural ingredients. However, even natural extracts can cause adverse reactions, if you're picking the wrong ones. Despite claims that this supplement can block 25 percent of dietary fat, reported side effects include oily stools, severe flatulence and, yes, anal leakage.

If you want to advance to more challenging exercises

I used to be a big fan of working out at home until I realized that these exercises you see on DVDs and videos tend to cater to beginners who don't want any real challenges. Sure, it's important to take baby steps with your weight loss needs, but what happens when you feel you want a bigger challenge? You have to turn elsewhere.

Slim n 6 is a set of DVDs based on cardiovascular workouts you can do in the comfort of your living room. You don't have to use any weights or any other equipment, according to advertisements. However, while the company guarantees results in as little as six weeks, I'm worried about where you're expected to go after that period is over.

What to do when the ingredients aren't listed

Don't put yourself at risk of experiencing side effects and adverse reactions when you're looking for the best forms of support for weight management. Some of the best options on the market include all-natural supplements, but not all such products are sensible options. Make sure that the company discloses all relevant information before buying.

Simply Weight Loss is a weight loss plan marketed towards dieters who wish to lose weight by taking a round-the-clock supplement, or a day- and nighttime formula. The company claims these products can stabilize blood sugar levels, boost energy, burn fat and suppress appetite, but a full list of ingredients seems awfully hard to come by.

Should I build muscle, too?

Many dieters find themselves confused about whether they should focus entirely on losing weight and burning fat or if they should also build muscle. The easy answer is that the two are mutually exclusive in that you can't expect to become cut and ripped if there are layers of fat on top of the muscles.

P90x is an at-home fitness center marketed towards bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts, though the company seems to be trying to draw in dieters as well. The center includes DVDs, equipment and reference guides for you to follow while working out. Unfortunately, this program doesn't really seem to have a dieting component to it.

Using Web sites to enhance the search

I would be disappointed with any type of weight loss product that doesn't come with a good, information-rich Web site for consumers to use in their search. A good Web site should display what the product is meant to do and the ingredients that support any assertions of this or that benefit. It should also offer Web-only incentives.

For example, some weight loss products -- like the one found on Miracle Burn com -- are said to include potent weight loss aids like Advantra-Z and Hoodia Gordonii. Also, select supplements come with free trial offers for those who want to try the product for a few days before buying it. Money-back offers may also be available.