The diet dilemma

So why do diets fail? “Most diets help you to lose weight because they are based on restricting calories, but diets don’t work long-term; cutting out food groups for a sustained period isn’t realistic,” says Laura. At best, diets can be boring and socially limiting, but at worst, they can damage your health.

“Most people who embark on diets actually put on more weight in the longterm,” says Laura. “When we binge eat, restrict, or yo-yo diet for years, our leptin levels (a hunger hormone) can become off-balance and so it becomes difficult to decipher when you are hungry – a brilliant example of why diets aren’t worth your time.” Laura also recommends you ask yourself if you need to lose weight. Have you been advised to by your doctor? Or do you just feel societal pressure to look slimmer? It's all about what makes you feel your healthiest and happiest.