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One of the most common New Years Resolutions is "to lose weight". Perhaps we have noticed our clothes getting that bit tighter - especially over the festive season, or it may be something that has been on our mind for some time.

Help is at hand… Nutrition Australia (formerly the Australian Nutrition Foundation) has produced a weight control action plan. The booklet titled "Weight for a Change" emphasises not dieting, being active, feeling good, enjoying your food and setting goals. It also helps to assess whether or not we are ready for change, ways of maintaining motivation and coping with relapses.

Recent studies show that 47% of women and 63% of men are overweight or obese. Australians are at the point where it is almost more "normal" to have a weight problem than not.

Over the last decade as a nation we have continued to gain weight. If the current trend continues, it is estimated that by 2010, 70% of Australians will be above their healthy weight range.

So why are we losing the battle of our waist lines and more importantly how can we start to reverse this trend?

While some reports show that we have actually decreased our fat intake, many experts suggest people may be under reporting their intake of fatty foods.

Additionally many of us are becoming less active. "It seems that physical effort has been taken out of nearly all our daily activities" said nutritionist for Nutrition Australia, Kristie Bell.

At this time of year it can be tempting to try a diet that promises a rapid weight loss. Nutrition Australia warns against these diets. "It has been proven that fad diets don’t work in the long run. Lose weight rapidly and you’ll almost certainly suffer a rebound effect. Rapid weight loss slows our metabolism and makes it much easier to regain not only the lost weight, but a bit extra as well" Ms Bell.

In order to help Australians break the diet cycle, "Weight for a Change" contains the latest information on long term weight management strategies. At $4.95 the booklet is available directly from Nutrition Australia, phone 07 3876 2677.

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