quasimulch's reply history at Help.com

There are multiple pharmaceuticals that have an effect on weight. Those that work require prescription from a Doctor and generally are only given to patients in whom lifestyle modificaitons (diet & exericise) are not possible (eg. paralysis). There is no evidence for herbal remedies. Crash-dieting (however new and improved the advertised diet) will make NO LONG TERM CHANGES. Most people are overweight because of low physical activity and high calorie intake. It is difficult to lose weight in industrialised countries were we are considered to live in “obesogenic” enviroments - ones which encourage efficient travel (requiring minimal physical exertion) and eating (high-fat and low-nutrition “fast food”). Thus whilst the solution to weight loss is simple in theory many find it difficult to maintain. Consider focussing on long term goals that are practical, achievable and realistic rather than suddenly cutting out all the naughties. Even small changes are beneficial and will have an effect over time.

Increasing physical activity goes beyond the benefits of weight control. There is solid scientific evidence that it improvies cardiovascular (heart) function, mental health - including self-esteem (the postulated cause, aside from improved self-image, is the release of feel-good endorphins during exercise), as well as improving sleep and relieving stress.

Similarly, having a bad diet increases health risks. Low-fibre and high-in-fat diets (very common in Western countries) increase bacterial intestinal carcinogen release, and the risk of colorectal cancer is higher in these countries. Atherosclerosis (fatty plaque deposition in the arteries) - the commonest cause of heart attacks and stroke - are also more likely.