CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Dear Cindy,

I am another menopausal woman struggling to maintain a body of the past. I have been faithful at exercise and healthy food choices for years. I admit I enjoy a little too much food, drink and dessert on occasion. In the past I could clean up my act and my goals became realities. Now progress is slow because of limitations from an injury, a couple of surgeries, slower metabolism and less energy as I reach the final year of my 50s.

I still lift weights and interval train to maintain my strength and lean muscle. I spin for cardio and do yoga for flexibility, but results are disappointing. I know someone who is taking a diet supplement that contains Irvingia gabonensis and fucoxanthin, which are said to be derived from mango fiber and seaweed. She has lost a lot of weight in a short amount of time. I am a skeptic with this type of weight loss due to my research and the lack of regulation on supplements. Right now I feel like this is another tortoise-and-the-hare story. Help me keep the faith in the slow and steady rewards are still my best bet. I haven't won yet.

Sincerely, The Tortoise

Dear Tortoise,

It would be splendid if all women could sprint past the menopausal finish line in record time and feel like they once did at the start. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the way the race was set up. Each of us has our own preset map complete with challenges along the way. This presents us with detours and offers us no guarantees or shortcuts. In fact, it dictates that the best we can do is to make it to the finish line as unscathed and as strong as possible.

Clearly though, we will encounter those who claim to be on the fast track to the finish line with weight-loss supplements as the vehicle. As you have witnessed, some may jump on these diet aids as a way to curb appetite and boost energy. And, it is extremely difficult not to hop too when you see them achieving the weight loss with little or no effort.

Hop aboard for better health?

Whoa! Not so fast! You have done your homework and understand that shortcuts to health are, more or less, mirages. Sure, I know these ziplines to a lean body seem enticing -- who wouldn't want to lose weight without feeling hungry or expending energy?

But those who believe this is the way to health better think twice. Follow anyone who tries to shed pounds in this way, and you will eventually witness them facing the unpopular truth that these fast tracks always lead to a dead end, where they must find a way back on course for the remainder of the trip.

Irvingia gabonensis and fucoxanthin

The crude seed extract of Irvingia gabonensis has been found to be possibly safe for adults when taken for up to four weeks. And the specific standardized seed extract identified as IGOB131 is given the green light for up to 10 weeks. (Note the wording "possibly safe.") Side effects include flatulence, headaches and sleep problems. I would prefer to eat foods high in fiber, which will satisfy my appetite and taste much better. I steer clear of supplements that are deemed safe if only taken for a few weeks.

The weight-loss supplement fucoxanthin claims to promote thermogenesis, or the rate of fat burning. A Utah nutritional biochemist, Shawn M. Talbott, who researches dietary supplements, believes the problem lies in the extraction process. He states, "Fucoxanthin is expensive to extract properly, so not all brown-seaweed products may contain enough fucoxanthin extract to prompt thermogenesis."

My opinion of this seaweed is that it's a little too early to endorse because no studies have been done on humans. It has reduced belly fat in rats, but side effects can't be predicted and it may interfere with thyroid function.

So are all supplements bad?

There are thousands of supplements on the market eager to jump off the shelf into the consumer's hand. But beware: Those claiming to promote quick weight loss are merely a temporary fix. Sooner than later, weight loss must be approached with serious commitment, a lean diet and lots of physical activity. Not all supplements are bad or untested. Some are excellent and capable of improving health, such as fish oil containing omega-3 fatty acids. But I tend to see red flags when I am promised shortcuts to health.

Keep the faith

Fitness strides can be illusive and frustrating when you are training consistently and paying attention to diet. Keep the faith. We all must work within the confines of our body. With that said, my only suggestion is to tighten up the diet and make certain you are continually pushing the intensity. Even a turtle needs a challenge to stay the course.

Cindy Boggs, fitness presenter, author and Activate America director, has been an ACE-certified coordinator/instructor since 1989. Send your questions about fitness, training or health to YMCA of Kanawha Valley, 100 YMCA Drive, Charleston, WV 25311, or e-mail cindys...@aol.com. Look for her award winning fitness advice book, "You Can Find Health in Your Hectic World" on her website, www.cindysays.com, or contact the YMCA at 304-340-3527.