Using willpower ‘will prevent weight gain this Xmas’

Those worried about piling on the pounds this Christmas can avoid doing so by exercising their willpower, the British Dietetic Association (BDA) has claimed.

This is the time of year that many slimmers fail to stick to their weight loss plans, but Anna Raymond, a spokeswoman for the BDA, said that people should be strict with themselves.

"If you're going to the Christmas staff party it might be a buffet style dinner, so instead of being tempted to pick at the food … just get a plate and portion-control yourself," she explained.

Ms Raymond also advised people to think about what they are drinking, as liquids contain calories too.

She recommended swapping pints of beer or glasses of wine for spirits with diet mixers.

Her comments follow the recent publication of research by the Association of Public Health Observatories, which found that the UK has the highest level of overweight and obese adults in Europe.

Do you think your diet will go out of the window this Christmas?