Top Tips for a Healthier Weight

This webinar is perfect for anyone who is living with overweight or obesity and is keen to learn about healthy eating and lifestyle improvements. Features top tips from Registered Dietitian Antoinette Leonard.

This webinar contains general nutrition advice and is based on the most up to date nutrition guidelines at the time of recording. Speak with your medical professional if you have been given specialized dietary advice or have any individual concerns.

FAQs:
-Does intermittent fasting work for weight loss?
Fasting does work to help you lose weight, but for the wrong reasons. You might temporarily lose weight but often this is not sustainable. It is true that the ideal way to lose weight is by eating less calories, however, it is still recommended that you eat at least three balanced meals with snacks daily to stay healthy. Regular meals are important to provide your body with the energy it needs to function. They keep your blood sugars steady and skipping meals or fasting may mean that we struggle to stay concentrated. We may be more likely to snack on unhealthier high fat and sugar foods when we are hungry. Consider starting a food diary if you are planning on losing weight as a tool to help visualise what you are eating and being mindful about it.
Those who have long term health conditions need to speak to their doctor before undertaking any fasting diet. See the British Dietetic Association’s food fact sheet on fad diets, accessible at the following link - Fad diets | British Dietetic Association (BDA)

-Can I lose weight on diet alone?
It is possible to lose weight on diet alone, however, it is recommended to undertake regular physical activity in addition. Although evidence shows that physical activity does not cause significant weight loss, it is important in helping you keep the weight off long term and has many benefits for both physical and mental health long term.

How do you spot a fad diet?
Fad diets can be tempting as they promise a quick fix for fast weight loss but often they’re too good to be true. Have a look at the following article from the British Dietetic Association on how to spot fad diets, accessible at Fad diets | British Dietetic Association (BDA).

-I am interested in losing weight. How can I get referred to a Dietitian?
If you wish to be referred to a Dietitian, we would recommend first making contact with your Doctor to discuss your goals. If appropriate, your Doctor can then refer you.

For more information:

The Public Health Dietitians Group (PHDG) Northern Ireland are a small group of Registered Dietitians, Nutritionists and support staff who work across the five Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts in Northern Ireland, commissioned by the Public Health Agency.