HEALTH experts are calling on the people of Wiltshire to give up on diet fads and make long-term lifestyle changes.

Staff from the Great Western Hospital held a workshop in the centre’s atrium yesterday to dispel some myths and give advice which should improve the public’s wellbeing.

One of the reasons that the session took place is because every new year, people tend to sign up to temporary diets and health staff are encouraging people who are concerned about their weight to make year-long changes.

Rebecca Jewell, a GWH community dietician, said: “Throughout January there has been so much in the media about fast-result diets.

“You can see results in the short-term but in our experience they tend to tail off.

“The difficulty with these diets is that you do lose weight but I guarantee that you’ll end up putting it back on.

“Our message through today is today avoid temporary measures and look at making substantial long-term changes.”

As well as speaking to the public the staff who oversaw the stall gave demonstrations and showed what a pound of fat looks like.

Leaflets were also available for fitness classes with people being encouraged to get active.

GWH used the event to promote Alive ‘n’ Kicking which runs nutrition courses for children. The sessions run in groups focusing on those aged between five and 11 and for those aged between 12 and 16.

Meanwhile details were also provided about Dietbusters, a 12-week weight management programme for adults.

The 90-minute sessions focus on educating people about potion sizes and also sees them take part in a series of exercises.

Dietbusters run daytime and evening courses right across Swindon. For more information about Alive ‘n’ Kicking call 01793 465412 or Dietbusters call 01793 464904.