I agree. They generally have nasty side effects and can be addictive. You have to eat less than you are doing now and move around more- its a simple equation. Plus you may need to set the switch in your brain to "hungry is okay"! So that when you get the tiniest bit hungry, you don't eat, but you wait until you are sure your body needs the food and your stomach is empty. Sticking to breakfast, lunch and dinner works- NO snacking- not even healthy stuff, cos that is still extra calories. Just have a bowl of cereal for brek, a similar amount for lunch- sandwich or something, and a meal in the evening with protein and lots of veg. But when you are eating, listen to your body and look out for the "full" signs. Stop when you are "content" not stuffed. You will get back in tune with your hunger signals. And if you are hungry, have a cup of coffee- it works! And if you are still hungry- be glad! Your body is having to utilise it's fat stores for energy.
Also, if you don't see instant results- remember- fat is stored internally too, so your body will use up the internal fat stores first, since they will have been laid down last. And that instantly makes you feel fitter!