Advice for adults who want to lose weight

People who have any queries or concerns about their – or their family's – diet, activity levels or weight should discuss these with a health professional such as a nurse, GP, pharmacist, health visitor or school nurse.

Weight loss programmes (including commercial or self-help groups, slimming books or websites) are recommended only if they:

• are based on a balanced healthy diet
• encourage regular physical activity
• expect people to lose no more than 0.5–1 kg (1–2 lb) a week.

Programmes that do not meet these criteria are unlikely to help people maintain a healthy weight in the long term.

People with certain medical conditions – such as type 2 diabetes, heart failure or uncontrolled hypertension or angina – should check with their general practice or hospital specialist before starting a weight loss programme.

Recommendations for parents and carers

In addition to advice for all adults on diet and physical activity , parents and carers should consider following the advice below to help children establish healthy behaviours and maintain or work towards a healthy weight. These strategies may have other benefits – for example, monitoring the amount of time children spend watching television may help reduce their exposure to inappropriate programmes or advertisements.

Diet: 

• Children and young people should eat regular meals, including breakfast, in a pleasant, sociable atmosphere without distractions (such as watching television).

• Parents and carers should eat with children – with all family members eating the same foods.

Activity

• Encourage active play – for example, dancing and skipping.

• Try to be active as a family – for example, walking and cycling to school and shops, going to the park or swimming.​

• Gradually reduce sedentary activities – such as watching television or playing video games – and consider active alternatives such as dance, football or walking.​

• Encourage children to participate in sport or active recreation, and make the most of opportunities for exercise at school.