do they really work? or is it better just to take vitamins or protein pills etc.

I wouldn't trust weight loss pills. I've seen them do some scary things.
Plus, they tend to make you lose a lot of weight in a short amount of time which shuts down your metabolism. So it does more harm than good.
This page has a lot of info on weight loss if that's what you're looking for. http://www.fourmilab.ch/hackdiet/e4/losi...

I have taken Hydroxycut Hardcore a couple of different times and it seems to always help out in reducing the fat in the face but usually dont notice much of a visable change in other areas.
As far as vitamins go, you should be taking them anyways, especially if you are taking diet pills.

I do believe in diet pills, only as a jump start though. And as somebody said earlier there are a lot of bogus ones out there so you want a clinically backed product, not just one thatts Doctor recommended, any doctor will recommend something for the right amount of cash.
I recommend the product at the link below, but if you decide to use a weight loss pilll make sure you are changing your eating habits too so that you can stop taking them and continue on at a comfortable weight.
http://www.w8lossreviews.com/proactol_de...

No, they don't work,and what's worse they can be harmful to your health. That's why ephedra was taken off the market.
Currently now the makers of several popular diet pills (TrimSpa being one) are in trouble legally because they make false claims about what the pills will do.
I know this sounds boring, but the safest, most healthy way to lose and KEEP IT OFF is eat a well balanced diet, lots of fruits and veggies, watch your portion sizes, limit fat, lots of water.
If you want some individualized help, contact me. I'm a certified nutritionist, and I've been a registered dietitian for over 20 years.