A recent survey carried out by the Healthy Weight Week Report in Australia found that most Australians admit to not losing weight.

While this in itself is shocking news, the survey also attempted to determine why. It seems it is bad advice, particularly from diet books.

Speaking to reporters from the Courier Mail, one of Australia’s leading newspapers, Clare Collins, Dieticians Association of Australia said: “If you have a toothache, you see a dentist. If your drains are blocked, you call in a plumber. For expert weight-loss advice, you need to see an accredited practising dietician.”

She added: “To lose weight, your efforts need to incorporate healthy lifestyle changes that you can stick with over the long-term.

“For some people that might only mean cutting back on one daily treat, choosing a smaller dinner plate and getting off the bus one stop earlier, but the best approach will be different for everyone.”

Obesity is a major cause of many health problems these days, particularly in the advanced industrial nations. It’s been a growing problem since the Second World War, but more particularly over the last 30 – 40 years as a more sedentary lifestyle has developed.

Ms Collins believes that reliance of self help books and articles is adding to the problem. She told reporters dieticians are trained to help obese individuals by creating a diet tailor-made for the person, whereas books generalise and may not be suitable for every individual.