Diets

* Carbohydrate Addict's LifeSpan Program (Drs. Richard and Rachael Heller)

Premise: Richard and Rachael Heller claim that an excess of insulin, the "hunger hormone," causes the carbohydrate addict to experience intense and recurring cravings, as well as the heightened ability to store fat. The affected person has a biological condition caused by a hormonal imbalance, which can be corrected by following their program. They advocate a very low carbohydrate diet throughout the daytime, and a single "reward meal" consisting of carbohydrate counterbalanced by vegetable and protein.

Facts: The effects of a low-carbohydrate diet may result in eating high-fat foods and, therefore, increase risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, liver and kidney damage, some cancers, and osteoporosis. How realistic is it never to have fruit or cereal for breakfast or a sandwich for lunch? The authors claim success through testimonial anecdotes and book sales. No scientifically validated studies suggest that this diet works.

* Eat Right 4 Your Type (Dr. Peter D'Adamo)

Premise: The author, Dr. D'Adamo, claims that each blood type has its own unique antigen marker that reacts in negative ways with certain foods, and individuals have varying levels of stomach acidity and digestive enzymes that seem to correlate with blood type. This diet provides a detailed list of foods to eat or avoid, depending on your blood type.

Facts: Although you may find it comforting to have a list of foods to eat or avoid, there's no scientific evidence that diets should be based on blood type.

* Suzanne Somers' Get Skinny on Fabulous Food (Suzanne Somers and associates)

Premise: Suzanne Somers - actress turned health-products merchandiser, selling wares from skin care goods to pasta - says that when proteins and carbohydrates are eaten together their enzymes cancel each other out, creating a halt in the digestion process and causing weight gain.

Facts: Reality check - many healthy, naturally occurring foods contain both carbohydrate and protein: nuts, milk, lentils, beans and whole-grain breads. This high-fat diet may put you at increased risk of coronary heart disease, high-cholesterol, liver and kidney damage, some cancers, and osteoporosis. There are no scientific studies to show that this diet works or is safe.

* New Diet Revolution (Robert C. Atkins, M.D.)

Premise: The 1997 book, Dr. Atkins' NEW Diet Revolution, suggests drastically reducing the intake of dietary carbohydrates to force your body to burn your reserve of stored fat for energy. This results in losing pounds and inches while still eating protein and fat-laden foods. You can eat generous amounts of beef, pork, chicken, eggs and butter.