Woman's Weekly Wellbeing: Weight loss

Each week we team up with Woman's Weekly magazine to look at different health conditions. This week we look at weight loss.

 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, will help to reduce stress and anxiety - and for many people this may reduce food cravings, making it easier to avoid comfort or binge-eating.

Look for: To find a practitioner, call The British Medical Acupuncture Society on 020 7713 9437, or visit www.medical-acupuncture.co.uk

 

Herbal remedies

Some herbs can help to keep your appetite under control, some speed up the metabolism and help burn fat and others can help get rid of excess fluid. A study published in the Journal Of Nutrition found that curcumin, the major ingredient in turmeric, could inhibit the development of fat cells.

Look for: Cynara Turmeric £7.99 for 30 tablets, from Boots, Waitrose, health stores and pharmacies. For advice on herbal remedies, call the British Herbal Medicine Association on 0845 680 1134, or visit www.bhma.info

 

Portion control

In one American study, people using portion control lost 5% more weight than those who cut back on fat or ate more fruit and veg. An easy way to check portions is to think of them as everyday objects. For example, a portion of meat or fish (90g/3oz) will fit in one hand.

Try: The Diet Plate, £14.99, which shows portions clearly on an 28cm (11in) earthenware plate. Ideal if you have less than 5 stone to lose. Use the system properly and you could lose between 1-4lb a week. For details, call 01457 862446, or www.thedietplate.com

- Get more Woman's Weekly wellbeing tips

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