Reduce salt consumption as part of weight loss efforts

Many people looking to lose weight fast will cut down on sugary or fatty foods, but it is also important to address salt consumption.

According to Hannah Brinsden, a nutritionist at Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH), reducing salt intake has a long-term impact on health.

As well as lowering blood pressure and in turn reducing a person's risk of heart disease and stroke, cutting down on salt can help lessen the chances of developing osteoporosis, kidney disease or stomach cancer.

"We should all eat less than 6g salt a day – about a teaspoon," she advised.

The key thing is to check food labels for their salt content, Ms Brinsden suggested, comparing products and choosing the ones with less salt.

Last year, researchers from the University of California – San Francisco found that reducing salt consumption lessened a teenager's risk of developing high blood pressure.

Have you made healthy changes such as cutting out salt as part of your weight loss efforts?