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Fat burners, miracle wraps, appetite pills, electronic belts, special foods-all promise to take off the pounds. Save your money-they don't work. If they did, Oprah Winfrey would be the first to feature them. She has everything at her disposal and would share those products with the world IF THEY WORKED.

Many websites and other advertising promise quick fixes for weight problems. Consumers spend billions of dollars every year on diet products and programs, almost all of which don't work. Let me make it very clear that I don't endorse any diet pills, fat burners or quick weight-loss schemes. My websites don't promote or sell diet products.

Some people keep falling for the latest gimmick. Become an informed consumer and realize that not only do these products and fad diets not work in the long run, but they can be dangerous. Save your money and your health.

Here's the good news. There is something that really works to control weight. It's healthy eating and exercise followed consistently. This is what I advocate on my websites, what the true medical experts advise.

I do support the American Dietetic Association's recommendations regarding nutritious eating and exercise. I also believe that programs like Weight Watchers can be worthwhile in helping people overcome bad habits and start eating better and exercising. Of course, there too, you can't just attend Weight Watchers meetings. You need to get on the program, which includes an eating plan and exercise.

The way I look now may be the product of 26 years of learning and hard work, and I may have gotten good enough results to model swimwear and be in fitness magazines, but I consider how I look now to be a way of life to feel my healthiest and it's something to share with my children and grandchildren for many years to come. I'm working on keeping my stress levels down and my LDL cholesterol low while raising my protective HDLs through exercise. I stay active and maintain my weight to prevent diabetes, heart disease and many other ailments, leaving a legacy of health and fitness.

Simple Weight Loss Solutions

After you discard the hype and deception of most weight-loss advertising, you can see that successful weight loss isn't that complicated. Here are the basics:

1) Have realistic expectations. You may want to lose 20 pounds in 30 days, but that's not realistic or healthy. If you lose a pound or two a month, you could lose 12 to 24 pounds over the course of a year and you'd be more likely to keep it off. Be patient and persistent.

2) Eat breakfast every day. This is one habit of the successful losers in the National Weight Control Registry, which tracks more than 5,000 people who have lost significant weight and kept it off.

3) Exercise regularly, preferably every day. You can start out by taking a long walk. Get rid of excuses, and you'll get rid of pounds. Most members of the registry average an hour a day of exercise.

4) Get enough dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

5) Don't skip meals. That actually slows your metabolism, and you'll likely overeat later in the day.

6) Get protein at every meal. This is the true appetite controller.

7) Avoid fast foods and processed foods. They are mostly empty calories, high in fats, sugars and sodium with few nutrients.

8) Avoid comfort-food binges. If emotional eating is a problem for you, you might benefit from groups like Overeaters Anonymous and from counseling.