Are weight loss shakes effective

It's a temporary fix. If you stick to it for a few weeks you will lose weight. But when you finish it you'll be more obsessed by food than ever, so will probably end up eating far more than you did originally. For a long term solution, try just eating healthier and enjoy what you eat (if you're satisfied by what you eat, you don't overeat). Try reading "French women don't get fat" as a long term solution. (It's not a diet that makes you miserable and food obsessive).