A sensible approach ‘is best way to lose weight in 2012’

As people's attention turns back to new year's resolutions once more, one expert has urged them to take the healthy route for 2012 rather than getting caught up in fads and crazy diets to achieve weight loss.

Editor of Healthy magazine Jane Druker said there is no magic bullet to shedding the pounds and keeping them off – it simply amounts to eating less and moving more, as well as getting into the habit of doing regular exercise.

"Taking a sensible approach is the only way to keep weight off for good," she remarked.

Ms Druker added that doing 30 minutes of physical activity such as yoga and Pilates or running three times a week is the best way to stay fit, as it will allow the body to develop its aerobic capacity, build muscles and increase core strength.

Last month, research by Miguel Alonso Alonso from Harvard University suggested a healthy diet and exercise positively reinforce each other, with those who move more also making healthier choices when they are eating.

Have you already made a new year's resolution to lose weight?