Slim Chance: Diet Pills...Separate the Help from the Hype

If you're always struggling to shed extra pounds but haven't had any luck dieting or slaving away on the treadmill, taking a pill to get skinny may sound like a dream come true. With nearly two-thirds of Americans overweight or obese, and the statistics on successful dieters discouragingly low, weight loss through chemistry seems like the next logical step. There are lots of options out there, from health-food-store herbs to prescription medications. Some offer a measure of hope in combating obesity; others just aren't worth the health risks. But experts agree: If you want weight-loss pills to work, you must also adopt healthy habits. Meds won't make up for a bad diet or sedentary lifestyle. Here's a closer look at the options -- what's effective, what's safe, and what's coming down the pike.