A lifestyle change ‘will be needed for weight loss’

Anyone who intends to lose weight needs to be prepared to undergo a few lifestyle changes to keep it off in the long term.

This is the warning of Daniel McCarthy, lecturer and public relations officer for the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute, who told the Irish Times that crash diets can not only be dangerous but can also result in people quickly putting the weight back on afterwards.

To avoid this, he suggested eating a healthy diet, cutting your alcohol intake and doing light exercise, even if it is just 45 minutes of brisk walking a day.

Mr McCarthy added: "[Eat] plenty of high-fibre breakfast cereal or porridge in the morning; lots of fruits and vegetables; and keep an eye on high-calorie foods, fried food and sweets and cakes."

It may also be a good idea to try and keep your blood sugar level stable to prevent hunger pangs, Ann Finnemore, owner of hypnotherapy and stress management services company Getting You There, recently advised.

Are you prepared to change your routine if it means a slimmer, healthier body?