I have had some mini rants before on the commercialism of the diet doctors. I worry about the gullible. I realize it is a tough hard marketing world and it is an industry not a new church, charity or faith but I share some of your disappointment and wonder whether for every new sale they may discredit their scientific status.

Eades and Erasmus have a good deal that is right to say and I do not begrudge buying a book for £5.99 that I can scan before I buy. I would take the side of reading the works but passing on the products.

Fortunately Dr. A's overpriced scary products that seem the antithesis of what he preaches are not available over here. But again I do not have to buy them.

I had not been aware of Pentabosol before you mentioned it although I have read PP. I looked it up and find that I am already taking carnitine and chromium two of its ingredients. It looks as if it is a reasonable combination of fat metabolism aids. But you are right, I do not like to be pressure sold something that is meant to be good for me, and if I don't buy it I will be damned to ill health for ever and a day.

The dilemma is that I still feel that I can recommend Protein Power as a book and it was Atkins that started me on a low carb diet. So in some sense I must say thankyou and be moderately supportive.

I feel even more outraged at the pills and potions that are on offer from all the quacks.

Here is one that came as unsolicited mail today . Turbo-Slim from the Swiss Naturopathic Herbal Science. Lose 2lbs every 8 hours or we'll give your £44 back! Claims of people losing 40lbs a week. Lose a full dress size in 48 hours. These charlatans are not Dr's and it must be a case of buyer beware.

But it makes me MAAAAAAAAAD!!!!!!

I think I will have to have a lie down now.