Don’t be tempted by a fad diet this summer

They may promise you the instant weight loss you want, but it likely won’t last by the time September rolls around

- DR PHILIPPA KAYE

How many television adverts have you seen recently trying to sell you a ‘summer body’? Or are your social media feeds filled with posts and reels about getting your body ‘bikini ready’? Many of us are bombarded by information (and misinformation) about diets as the weather gets warmer and the holiday season approaches. This pressure just adds to the existing stigma around weight and body size, which can affect both physical and mental health.

Firstly, to be clear: you don’t need to ‘get your body ready for the beach’. It already is! You deserve to do whatever you wish to do this summer – all year round, in fact – without being judged for your weight, body size, shape or more.

Secondly, there are no quick fixes or hacks when it comes to losing weight, and lots of the suggestions and diet ‘tricks’ out there are actually potentially harmful. Your body does not need you to go on a detox diet as it is excellent at detoxifying itself, using your gut, liver, kidneys, lungs and skin. In fact, many detox teas and drinks simply have a laxative effect, meaning that they give you diarrhoea, which can cause dehydration (a particular worry during the summer) and other issues.

Slimming pills can contain a variety of substances, including illegal chemicals, such as DNP, also known as ‘dinosan’ or other names. DNP works to speed up metabolism, but using it has been fatal in some cases. Side effects can include headaches, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, nausea and vomiting. Over time, usage can also lead to heart damage.

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