Millions of people are on diets this month after gaining weight during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

But many will find diets promising spectacular weight losses within a few weeks prove extremely disappointing with the pounds piling on again later.

Vicki Loder, whose weight loss technique is featured in The Argus today, is undoubtedly right in recommending people to stick to healthy diets they can maintain.

These can include pleasures such as the occasional bar of chocolate, provided it doesn't start a binge.

Combined with more exercise, a sensible long-term diet is much better than a faddy short-term one. Dieting should be for life rather than just in January.