The secret to shedding extra pounds is simple: Burn more calories than you take in — and don't get taken by the promise of quick fixes.

Myth: Losing weight rapidly at the beginning of a fad diet is proof that it works.
Fact: The rate of weight loss at the beginning of any diet is usually faster. That's because the body's stores of fat and the carbohydrate glycogen, which contain water, are being depleted. You're losing water weight.

Myth: Eating grapefruit burns fat.
Fact: No food can burn away fat, either in its natural state or in pill form. But adding grapefruit to your diet does give you a good source of vitamin C and other antioxidants.

Myth: Electric muscle stimulators trim fat.
Fact: Study after study says no, and the FDA has labeled these infomercial mainstays "vanity-type quackery."

Myth: Fasting can lead to permanent weight loss.
Fact: Fasting almost never results in any sustainable weight loss. After initial loss of water and minerals, you do lose body fat, but you also lose valuable muscle. Then your body's energy production slows down, slowing the rate of fat loss -- not very effective.

Myth: Removing cellulite requires special treatment.
Fact: Special creams, brushes, lotions or high-tech massages won't permanently get rid of "cellulite," a nonmedical term referring to dimpled skin. Try good old-fashioned diet and aerobic exercise instead.