DIY dieting best way to shed weight

Eighty per cent of successful dieters succeed without a weight loss programme, according to a study reported in the latest Consumer magazine.

Nearly 8000 successful dieters interviewed by Consumer Reports, the New Zealand magazine's sister publication in the United States, found 83 per cent lost weight by following their own diet and exercise regime, compared with 14 per cent who signed up for a weight-loss programme.

Most people in the "super losers" category did not use weight loss products or supplements.

Consumer's Belinda Allan said the US study showed that most people did not need to pay money for expensive diet programmes, though the programmes could help dieters looking for extra motivation and support.

The magazine asked readers to comment on their experiences of four such programmes and summarised the results.

Weight Watchers was praised for its healthy food advice and emphasis on exercise.

But it had an on-going $17-a-week cost for meetings and weigh-ins and its "points system means you might be forever thinking about food", the magazine said.

Jenny Craig, which required dieters to buy all or most meals readymade, was "convenient" but "expensive" and could cost up to $120 a week.

SureSlim was "expensive" with an $880 up-front cost.

It offered customised low GI (glycaemic index) diets with little emphasis on exercise.

System:Slim offered good support but was "very expensive" at $20 a week plus recommended supplements of $240 a month.

Christchurch dietitian and nutritionist Lea Stening said groups such as Weight Watchers or workplace kilo clubs could work.

"They can give people motivation because they start to compete with one another."

However, many people needed individual advice that took into account their own particular lifestyles and habits.

- NZPA