Losing weight ranks as one of the top New Year’s resolutions and many people will be looking for fast, easy fixes to shed pounds. Television or magazine ads promote revolutionary diet pills, miracle patches or magic potions. Many of these products guarantee quick and easy weight loss with little or no effort. In the end, they’re ineffective and can possibly cause harm to your health.

If you’re thinking about using weight loss products or diet aids, carefully research them beforehand. Keep in mind weight loss products may be useful short-term, but generally don’t help in maintaining weight loss long-term. Some pills may help curb your appetite, but can often have serious side effects.

Make sure you consult your doctor before using diet aids or any other weight loss products. A doctor can make proper recommendations based on your physical needs and weight-loss goals.

As you consider weight loss products, check out companies prior to buying. Visit www.bbb.org or call (937) 222-5825 or (800) 776-5301. The Food and Drug Administration (www.fda.gov) can also provide information on advertised diet products. In addition, you should:

• Beware of promotions claiming easy weight loss or you can lose several pounds a week while eating your favorite foods. Healthy eating is vital to successful weight loss. And, products offering losses of more than two pounds a week may not be healthy.

• Don’t buy into words like “breakthrough,” “secret,” “exclusive” or “miraculous” in advertisements. These buzzwords are used to get your attention and entice you into buying fraudulent products.

• Take product testimonials with a grain of salt. These people may be paid actors. Plus, testimonials aren’t substitutions for scientific proof of products’ effectiveness.

• Remember no diet pill or miracle cream can result in permanent, long-term weight loss. Permanent weight loss requires a change in lifestyle-healthy eating habits and regular exercise.

Weight loss gimmicks may claim big results, but the only thing you may lose is money. Check products out beforehand to protect your wallet and health.

John North is president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau.