Nearly half of UK adults find it hard to maintain a healthy diet full-time, study finds

A survey of 2,000 adults has found as many as 31%, are actively trying to shift a few extra pounds, but for 24%, crash diets ‘never work’ because they immediately revert to old eating habits.

In the study 35% of Brits believe they are ‘yo-yo dieters’ - and put weight back on as soon as they lose it - with 37% admitting yo-yo dieting has negatively impacted their health.

According to the poll 47% struggle to incorporate a healthy diet into their lifestyle full-time while four in 10 wouldn’t feel confident in their ability to maintain a healthy weight without reverting to such methods.

A spokesperson for the weight loss service, Medicspot, which commissioned the quiz and research, said: "Finding a diet that is right for you and sticking to is not always easy.

“Yo-yo dieting is often a result of various dieting attempts, and this pattern can have several negative impacts on both physical and mental health.

“Common causes of this dieting method include restrictive dieting, unrealistic weight loss goals, lack of sustainable lifestyle changes, and psychological factors.”

The study also found it takes 21% of adults between one and three months to maintain their weight goal, but 24% are yet to reach this. Additionally, 42% find it difficult to stick to a diet long-term - with unhealthy food cravings the biggest reason for this (68%).

Lack of motivation is also an issue for 55%, while 44% get consumed by stress or emotional eating. But over half end up frustrated with their eating habits, and 55% feel a sense of guilt.

It also emerged 34% are not satisfied with their current diet and food regime but six in 10 claim it is important for them to lose weight. As the OnePoll study also found 22% describe their emotional relationship with food as unhealthy.

To try to maintain a diet, 24% often turn to meal planning, with the same percentage relying on meal preparation. However, only 18% have consulted a healthcare professional for advice on dieting and weight loss and, of these, 68% found it to be a helpful experience.

Of those who have tried to lose weight, improving overall health was their primary motivation, with aesthetics, mental well-being, and social pressure also cited as leading factors.

The Medicspot weight loss spokesperson added: “Yo-yo dieting can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health. However, there are ways to avoid the cycle of yo-yo dieting and promote long-term health and well-being.

“These can include adopting a sustainable and balanced approach to weight management, setting realistic goals, incorporating regular physical activity, practising mindful eating, and seeking support.”