TREATING OBESITY
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Diet advice
A healthy diet should contain:
- meals based on starchy, high-fibre carbohydrates, such as wholegrain bread, pasta and rice
- at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day
- a moderate amount of low-fat protein, milk and dairy products
- a very small amount of foods that are high in fat, sugar or salt
In order to lose weight, you need to eat a healthy diet and reduce the amount of calories in your diet. This will mean changing your eating habits. You need to do this a way that you find acceptable, and that you can maintain long-term (see tips for weight loss, in the box to the right).
Types of diet
Your GP may recommend a calorie-controlled diet. This will be based on how much you are currently eating, and then attempting to cut the amount of calories you eat every day by around 600. Alternatively, you may be advised to follow a low-fat diet. See diet for tips to cut down the amount of fat and sugar in your diet.
A calorie-controlled or low-fat diet should only be attempted with expert support and advice. You should also have a follow-up appointment with your GP to check your progress.
If you attempt a low-calorie diet (only 1,000-1,600 calories a day) without the advice of a health professional, you may miss out some of the vital nutrients you need to stay healthy.
Further information
There is much more information on losing weight in the Live Wellsection of the website. This section contains information on:
- swapping your snacks for healthier versions,
- understanding food labels so you can make healthier choices when food shopping,
- the truth about fad diets, and
- how to stay motivated when trying to lose weight.