Diet ‘has big impact on weight loss’

Ladies who are looking to lose weight fast so that they can fit into their skinny jeans should reassess their diet, the latest study suggests.

According to Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) researchers , lifestyle factors such as physical activity and sleep duration are linked with long-term weight gain.

But the scientists, in a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that diet had the strongest associations with differences in weight gain.

The researchers found that improving carbohydrate quality by reducing consumption of fizzy drinks, sweets and refined grains, such as white bread and rice, could help prevent long-term weight gain.

People should also eat more fruit, vegetables and whole grains, while avoiding processed meats, the study advises.

"These findings underscore the importance of making wise food choices in preventing weight gain and obesity," said Frank Hu, professor of nutrition and epidemiology at HSPH and senior author of the paper.

It comes after a recent study from Purdue University found that fat substitutes that are used in low-calorie crisps and other foods do not always help people to lose weight fast.

Are you avoiding foods as part of your diet?