If you watch late-night television or read magazines, you may have seen advertisements for detox diets that promise to take off the weight quickly. People who support detoxification diets believe that toxins (such as cigarette smoke or pollution) and food additives (such as pesticides and preservatives) accumulate in your body and cause you to become sluggish and experience constipation, fatigue, anxiety and other problems. According to supporters, flushing toxic substances out of your body means you'll lose weight, have more energy and improve your health.

How do detox diets work? Detox dieters may fast or use laxatives or diuretics to eliminate waste and water from the body. Some detox diet programs recommend drinking juices or eating only fruits and vegetables during the "cleansing" process. Short-term fasting will usually result in some weight loss since the body continues to burn calories after you stop eating, but your body will respond by slowing down your metabolism. In addition fasting can cause irritability, dizziness, electrolyte imbalances, sleep problems, mood changes and even depression.

Try these tips for safer weight loss:

• Some detox diets advertise that you can lose up to 10 pounds a week, which can be unhealthy and downright dangerous. Most health professionals recommend aiming for a slow and steady weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds per week instead.
• Make sure that vegetables, fruit and water aren't the only things you eat - you need protein and complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, too.
• Don't forget to stay active. Exercise accelerates weight loss while helping you gain strength and balance.

Related information Choosing a weight loss program

Sources:  National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Weight-control Information Network, http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/pubs/choose.htm