How to lose weight in 2021 – a GP’s guide to achieving your New Year’s resolution

Rebel Wilson discusses her decision to lose weight in 2020

Weight loss requires determination and willpower but it isn’t rocket science. There are a few things that will help those extra pounds fall off in no time. Express.co.uk chatted to senior GP and UK medical director at Liva Healthcare Dr Roger Henderson to find out how you can lose weight easil

How to lose weight

Weight loss is all about reversing the bad habits that made you gain weight in the first place.

Dr Henderson said: “Start looking at your habits. What behaviours have led you to gain weight?

“Most people could identify a few simple shifts they could make.”

Cutting out alcohol and junk food would be a good place to start, but don’t go overboard!

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Dr Henderson warned: “It’s important to keep any changes realistic and sustainable.

“Resist the urge to lose weight as fast as possible. Extreme diets that promise a ‘quick fix’ don’t usually lead to long-term results.”

People who lose a lot of weight quickly rarely manage to keep it off.

Dr Henderson said: “Going from zero to a hundred is not the path to long-term, sustainable weight loss.

“Building healthier habits steadily over time will help you stick to these changes.”

Do I need to exercise to lose weight?

You don’t need to exercise to lose weight, but you probably should start doing some form of exercise this year.

Dr Henderson said: “Technically, exercise isn’t needed for weight loss.

“All you need to do is eat fewer calories than you burn. It’s that simple.”

However, Dr Henderson noted exercise has many other benefits on top of burning calories

This includes reducing your risk of heart disease, regulating blood sugar levels and improving mental health and mood.

He recommended: “If you don’t currently do any exercise, start with short walks and build up to longer distances and then maybe add running, swimming or cycling.”

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Does drinking water help you lose weight?

Some celebs claim their slender figures and flawless skin is all down to H2O… but that probably isn’t the whole truth.

Dr Henderson explained drinking water won’t cause you to lose weight, but it can be a factor in weight loss.

He said: “Drinking water doesn’t cause you to lose weight but staying hydrated often curbs snacking.

“Often, we mistake thirst for hunger, so upping your water intake will support you cutting down on calories.

“Drinking more water is also very good for your overall health and wellbeing.”

Does sleeping more help you lose weight?

You burn calories when you sleep, but sadly this doesn’t mean that taking more naps will help you lose weight.

However, you need to get a good night’s sleep if you want to lose weight and keep it off.

Dr Henderson said: “Getting enough sleep is really important and not just for losing weight. Sleep deprivation increases your risk of developing high blood pressure,

“Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

“It’s also harder to control your appetite when you’re ove

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