Express & Star comment: New year, new me?

Many will have eaten too much and exercised too little during an enjoyable festive period.

As their thoughts turn to work, school or retirement, they’ll notice a tug on their waistline that wasn’t there in December.

And they’ll make the decision to take action by seeking to lose a little weight through an abstemious January.

Local gyms will be as busy as Santa in a grotto as people sign up for memberships that few will keep.

Others will be fooled into trying faddy diets that will provide them with unsatisfying results.

There really is a simple message here: moderation is key.

Those who want to lose weight need to ingest a few fewer calories than they burn.

Those who want to improve their body shape need to do more exercise.

Since time immemorial, the same has been true: eat a little less and exercise a little more.

People should also be realistic about their targets.

Losing 1kg is the equivalent of 7,700 calories.

So if a person eats a quarter less than their recommended daily allowance it will take just over two weeks to lose.

Have a happy – and healthy – 2020.