How to be slim

There is evidence that a diet rich in calcium, and particularly in low-fat diary products, can help with weight loss.

Your metabolic rate - how many calories you burn each day - depends upon your age and your sex, your level of physical activity, and your body weight. Contrary to popular belief, heavier people have higher metabolic rates than lighter people.

It is easy to ignore the body's appetite signals, especially when eating out: being distracted, being served large portions, and being presented with a large variety of foods can all make us eat more than wee need.

Understanding and controlling your appetite is crucial in an attempt to take in fewer calories. Certain foods will fill you up more than others for the same calorie intake.