Over dependence on slimming supplements may cause you to ignore the real cause of obesity, reported Sian Porter, nutritional expert and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association.

The reason, she argued, was that over-the-counter products were only short-term and failed to address the reasons why a person has become overweight.

Sian believes that education about healthy living, eating, and exercise was the only way to stop many people from feasibly taking supplements for rest of their lives, with no significant benefit.  

"I know from experience" said Dr Miriam Stoppard commenting on the report,"professional and personal that the most successful long-term weight loss comes from adopting healthy eating and lifestyle habits, not faddy diets or other quick fixes. Sadly, anyone who won't accept that is putting themselves at risk of exploitation".

Its clear that there will never be a shortage of people looking for a quick fix, which the diet industry is more than willing to provide.