Conclusion

Aside from the health concerns surrounding more than a few celebrity diets, Hood is not convinced that they are effective ways to lose weight in the long term: "Research has shown time and time again that although people may initially lose weight on a faddy-type diet, they are usually only able to follow it for a short period of time and then go back to their old ways of eating and put on more weight than they have lost. Losing weight and keeping it off is about lifestyle changes, examining your habits and learning from these. Recognizing hunger and being mindful of food choices. The body has wonderful built in defences to recognize when it is hungry or full so we need to start listening to our bodies and being mindful of food choices. There are no miracle foods and no quick fixes. It is down to energy balance and requires a health-varied diet based on plant foods and regular physical activity."

"The quickest and easiest way to lose weight is to follow a simple, well thought out weight loss programme. Ensure no faddy diets and strange foods," Mason agrees. "Your diet must consist of real and proper foods, concentrating on the fruit and vegetable aisle and the meat and fish counters in your grocery store. You can give the central aisles a miss. Importantly, your weight loss programme must fit in with your lifestyle here and now and become part of your new eating habits forever."