The NHS has warned that people are ‘pouring money down the drain’ with fad New Year diets and has launched its own 12 week weight-loss plan.

January traditionally sees hundreds of miracle diet and detox plans rushed out in an attempt to cash-in on the guilt many feel after an over-indulgent Christmas.

But health experts warn that few have any nutritional or scientific basis and rarely work in the long term. Some can even be dangerous, they claim.

Now a simple four month plan has been developed by the NHS and British Dietetic Association (BDA) based on the latest advice on diet and exercise.

“Every year, people pour millions of pounds down the drain to no avail following one fad diet or another,” said Professor Susan Jebb, of Oxford University, an advisor on obesity for the government

“There is no easy way to lose weight, but the NHS Weight Loss guide is full of valuable tips and support to help you put your good intentions into practice.

“It is free, straightforward and based on the best available evidence of what helps people to succeed in losing weight.

Stop pouring money down drain with fad diets, warns NHS – Telegraph