Don’t skip meals to shed weight

“What exercise does do is keep weight off in the long-term and also helps prevents loss of muscle.”

The researchers advised people trying to lose weight to record everything they eat, to be accurate, to measure portions and to read labels.

Accuracy was also important, so any toppings or condiments added to food should also be included in the journal.

“It was the first study that looked at a range of eating and weight-loss behaviours to see which ones worked and which ones didn’t,” said McTiernan.