Four things that can really help you lose weight

It's believed that over 25% of U.K. adults are obese, and a further 37% are overweight.

If you are looking to lose some weight, leading experts from The Slimming Clinic, the U.K.'s largest online weight-loss clinic, have shared the four things that can really help you drop some pounds. And some of them may come as a surprise!

Mindful eating

Based on the Buddhist concept of Mindfulness, Mindful eating is about paying attention and being aware of what you consume.

"Instead of focusing solely on what you eat, pay attention to how you eat," advises dietitian Sarah Abdula. "Slow down, savour each bite, and listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues."

Sleep

Studies have shown that a pattern of sleeping for less than six hours a night has been associated with a higher body mass index (BMI).

"A lack of sleep negatively impacts the hormones that control appetite regulation, like leptin and ghrelin," explains Dr Charlotte Norton. "This can lead to feelings of hunger and also the need to eat more food to feel full."

To help improve the quantity and quality of your sleep, try restricting screen time in the lead-up to bedtime, ensuring your bedroom is dark and reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption. If your sleep problems continue, please seek medical advice.

Stress management

Chronic stress can sabotage your weight-loss efforts by triggering emotional eating and promoting fat storage, especially around the abdomen.

"Steps can be taken to address this in the form of incorporating stress-reducing activities into your routine," says Norton, the clinic's Chief Medical Officer. "For some people, yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can be helpful, for others, things like walking the dog, going for a run or reading a book can help. What's important is to learn to identify when your stress levels are rising and learn to take appropriate action. This will help to not only improve your overall health, but also help to reduce the propensity to overeat and gain weight."

Hydration and fibre

A lot of people underestimate the importance of hydration and fibre for weight management.

"Staying hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water reduces the likelihood of mistaking thirst for hunger," advises Abdula. "But because water consumption is associated with increased sympathetic activity which is linked to your metabolism, drinking more water may also help to increase your metabolic rate and how much energy you burn.

"It's recommended adults should drink around 1.5 to 2 litres litres a day. In addition to this, increasing your fibre intake from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help you feel fuller for longer, aiding in weight loss."

If you've tried various methods without success, consider seeking help from weight management experts like The Slimming Clinic, which tailor their programmes to each person's individual needs.