I am working on loosing weight without doing any fad diets by making
small adjustments in my eating habits and in my lifestyle over time. I
know that I would never stick to a program that requires dramatic,
heroic changes.  My expectation is to loose weight slowly but steadily
over time.

Do the "fat blockers" work or are they mostly a hoax? If they are not
a hoax, what should I know about selecting one?

TY

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Clarification of Question by tomster1957-ga on 01 Nov 2005 11:45 PST

Additionally, what vitamins/herbs/oils etc would be beneficical?

This may be of interest to you:

"False Claim #4. The product blocks the absorption of fat or calories
to enable consumers to lose substantial weight.

FTC Staff Analysis: The biological facts do not support the
possibility that sufficient malabsorption of fat or calories can occur
to cause substantial weight loss. To lose even one pound per week
would require the malabsorption of about 500 calories a day or about
55 grams of fat. To lose two pounds per day, as stated in the sample
ad, would require the malabsorption of 7000 calories per day, which is
impossible given that it is several times the total calories that most
people consume on a daily basis, let alone the number of calories
consumed from just fat. The FTC has challenged a number of deceptive
fat blocker claims for some of the most popular diet products on the
market, and the evidence supports the position that consumers cannot
lose substantial weight through the blockage of the absorption of fat.
Based on its past experience, as well as the discussion at the
workshop, written comments, and published studies, the staff concludes
that the claim that a nonprescription drug, dietary supplement, cream,
wrap, device, or patch will cause substantial weight loss through the
blockage of absorption of fat or calories is not scientifically
feasible."

http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/PhonyAds/weightlossfraud.html

Thank you Pinkfreud!  Quess I won't waste my hard earned money!

T

While most fat blockers are a hoax, newer versions are proving
reliable in trials. In particular ones based on inhiibiting the
absorption by targeting lipase in the gut, rather than apetite
suppressants.  As a result some fat passes through the gut and out the
bowel without being absorbed.

In particular a drug known as xenical is showing promise.
Read the links below and consult your doctor.

These four links should help.

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=9670
http://www.fda.gov/cder/consumerinfo/druginfo/xenical.HTM
http://health.howstuffworks.com/diet-pill2.htm
http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/Uses/0,3915,717%7COrlistat,00.html

They did nothing for me.

But, Hoodia has worked well for me.

Based on the scientific evidence of the benefits of Hoodia gordonii
we've seen so far, it appears to be the best weight loss aid on the
market today. But the biggest impact felt from Hoodia gordonii comes
from the testimony of the Bushmen themselves. To this end, as a
natural appetite suppressant that stifles the appetite without
chemicals, additives, or side effects, the certified 100% pure Hoodia
gordonii diet pill is universally embraced and welcomed by all.
For further articles, visit:
http://www.hoodia-diets.info/hoodia-diet-pills.htm