Don’t set unrealistic weight loss goals, expert says

When people get all geared up to lose weight, it can be tempting to set unrealistic goals for fast weight loss.

However, doing so is not a good idea, according to Helen O'Donnell, presenter for diet food company Weight To Go, said that wanting to achieve a weight you were fifteen years ago is "very hard to do", and people should not try to go from a size 20 to an 8 in six weeks.

Skipping meals is another bad habit dieters are prone to slipping into. Far from aiding weight loss routines, it can make them more likely to snack on junk food.

"Disasterising" is another potential trap for those trying to lose weight.

"You have eaten that piece of chocolate, but it is not the end of the world – you have not ruined everything and you are not a bad person," Ms O'Donnell explained.

Do you set weight loss goals that are impossible to achieve?