Amazing even in the 21st century, folks fall into the silicon snake oil sales persons. Not much more I can agree with you other then people want the fast way out instead of understanding burn more calories then you take in.

I agree with you on this a few thing I have found on my journey.

Don't drink your food.

If you like sugar drinks, stick to ones with raw/cane sugar

Drink 4L a day

Walk .... 10,000 steps for most folks is 4-6 miles, so get an activity tracker and start slow and grow it 500 steps a week.

Make sure you sleep ... and get the required rest

But for women ... weight lifting is very important. Why? It builds muscle which burns weight, and don't freak out with the stereotypes of "looking masculine".

Remember every pound of muscle and fat are the same.

I use Withings kit for monitoring my sleep, blood pressure, temperature ,weight (the scales are awesome because you don't have to write anything down).

The scanwatch is amazing ... most folks have no clue I have an awesome tracker and ECG, SpO2, exercise tracker and what not because it looks like a watch.

I had a 6-pack athlete body when I was younger where I had a few ex's state, my god you are yummy, then sported a keg where up until my wife stated my god you are hedionistic and make me happy, and then I started to work it off again.

If you can't work out ... that is ok too ... get the scale and weigh yourself and watch your sleep ... make note if you have a bad day and review your health sleep scores and weight and then you will get a feel for your body.

Most of all love yourself.

I can share some data if folks get interested, but I have used this with my doctors and with dealing with issues so I know it is good stuff