If you're trying to lose weight, Twitter can be a surprisingly good source of support. After all, weight loss is a common goal; Twitter can help you connect with others who are on the same path. Just look at these weight-loss winners who used Twitter and other sources during their journey to skinny jeans.

But if you're looking for reliable diet information, Twitter might not be your best friend. After all, it's not just average Joes and Janes tweeting about their day-to-day activities. Twitter is an ever-increasing tool for marketers touting their goods. Just take Twitter user "LoseWeight123" for example. Rather than useful, helpful dieting articles, they link to gems (and be sure you read the word gems with as much sarcasm as possible), such as "How to Get Your Wife With Ugly Belly Fat to Lose Weight" and "How to Lose 20 Pounds in Two Weeks." I have two words: Offensive and baloney. In actuality, they're selling a diet product. And you can read Jonny's Take to get some good information about unsafe diet products.

When browsing Twitter and similar sites, beware of marketing scams wrapped up as advice. The advice can be unhelpful at best and dangerous at worst. Stick to reliable sites when looking for information and raise a red flag whenever you see a specific product being advertised within the article. And remember, if you have a specific health or diet-related question, you should turn to experts such as your doctor, nutritionist or personal trainer.