As we have become a more obese society, we have also become more eager to find the quickest and easiest methods of weight loss.

The weight-loss industry is booming and there are a lot of magic pills, miraculous lotions and potions and all sorts of crazy gimmicks on the market these days, making it increasingly difficult to sort the sensible, healthy weight-loss plans and well-designed exercise equipment from the products that will only help you lighten your wallet.

Electronic abdominal exercise belts, which have received a lot of press recently, are one of the latter types of product. The companies promoting these products have made all sorts of promises, including: consumers will “lose four inches in 30 days, guaranteed”; users can go from “flab to rock hard abs”; and that ten minutes of using the belt “equals 600 sit-ups”. If only it were that easy!

But don't feel bad if you fell for the false promises and hype; several million people have purchased belts, ranging in price from $40 to $120, with names like Fast Abs, Ab Tronic and Ab Energiser.

Fortunately for consumers, the US Federal Trade Commission is on the job, and federal regulators are clamping down on these opportunists by filing lawsuits in federal court to stop all advertisements of the product and ensure refunds for people who bought the belts. The FTC alleges that these companies falsely advertised that users will get washboard abs without exercise. Although electrical stimulation devices serve a useful purpose in physical rehabilitation and some athletic training, they do not burn fat.

As great as it would be, we all know (if we're honest with ourselves) that it's crazy to think that we can get washboard abs while watching TV or reading a book, and marketers of these and similar ‘magical' products are preying on our desire to get results as quickly as possible with as little effort as possible.

But there is only one way to lose weight and get into shape - you must change your lifestyle by improving your eating habits and getting regular exercise. Eating a balanced diet including lots of fruit, vegetables and whole grains, building up to an exercise plan of 30 minutes or more on most days of the week and drinking at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water every day will help your body burn fat, including the fat that sits on top of your abdominal muscles.

To work the muscles underneath the fat to attain a strong core that will help reduce lower back problems as well as gradually flatten your tummy, try the following abdominal exercises; these have been rated some of the most effective exercises by the Biomechanics Lab at San Diego State University which did a study on 13 of the most common abdominal exercises ranking them from best to worst.

Here are the top three:

The Bicycle Manoeuvre: Lie flat on the floor with your lower back pressed into the ground, tummy held tight and hands beside the head. Bring your knees up to a 45 degree angle and slowly go through a bicycle pedal motion with your legs. Twist your torso to touch your left elbow to your right knee, then your right elbow to your left knee as you ‘pedal' with your legs. Keep your breathing even and relaxed throughout the exercise.

Vertical Leg Crunch: Lie flat on the floor with your lower back pressed to the ground and hands behind the head for support. Extend your legs straight up in the air, with a slight bend in the knees and the ankles crossed. Contract your abdominal muscles by lifting your torso toward your knees. Make sure to keep your chin off your chest with each contraction. Exhale as you contract upward and inhale as you return to the starting position.

Reverse Crunch: Lie flat on the floor with your lower back pressed to the ground and your hands either beside your head (more challenging) or extend the arms out flat at your sides. With the knees bent at 90 degrees and ankles crossed, lift your feet off the ground until your shins are parallel to the ground. Once in this position, press your lower back into the floor as you contract your abdominal muscles; your hips will slightly rotate into your body and your shins will reach toward the ceiling with each contraction. Exhale as you contract and inhale as you lower to the starting position.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - the bottom line is this: the only way to lose weight and keep it off is to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle that includes a low-fat, nutritious diet, regular exercise, plenty of water and a positive attitude.

With all of these in place and a regular abdominal workout including the above exercises, you will be well on your way to a flatter tummy. Forget the quick fixes and gimmicks and stick with the tried and true. Good luck on your journey to becoming BodyWise!