You can join the gym but it’s not necessary and will cost a fortune. You need to exercise to raise your heart rate for 30 minutes four times a week and, I suspect, you will even begin to enjoy it. At the very least walk in the park, to work or the shops and always take the stairs. Exercise burns calories and dramatically improves your mental and long term health prospects.

Setting high goals just sets you up for frustration and failure. Plan to lose 2-3 pounds per week which is easily achievable and is healthy and safe for your body. And you’ll really be burning the fat, rather than water or muscle.

Cut out all biscuits, cake, chocolate, crisps, snacks and anything else between meals. If you are really hungry eat an apple or preferably a carrot or other vegetable. You must be determined as you won’t meet your weight goals if you carry on with these bad habits.

Do not starve yourself and eat a balanced diet. You must have breakfast or you’ll be hungry all day, eat a light lunch and a good sized evening meal. But you must eat less than before otherwise you will not lose any weight.

Make sure that you reward yourself when you lose weight, but try not with food! But a special treat once in a while will not do too much harm. If the self satisfaction and feeling good about yourself is not enough try new clothes, accessories, or an outing with family or friends.

We all have lapses and can lose motivation for various reasons but don’t give up. Success will dramatically improve your self-esteem, confidence and mental and long term health prospects.

Google ‘ideal weight’ and check out if and how much weight you need to lose. You do not have to start immediately but accept it’s your responsibility, the future is in your hands and will not happen if you don’t take action. Write down all the reasons why you want to loose weight and all the benefits if you do. Then if you want to do it badly enough choose a date and go for it. You won’t regret it.

The best way to feel satisfied at a meal without consuming calories is to load up on fiber - whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables. You’ll fill up faster and digest your food better, making you feel less bloated and tired. Fiber is a dieter’s best friend!

Alcohol is very high in calories and must form part of your plan to lose weight. If you are drinking more that two times per week and above the recommended levels you need to reduce your consumption.

Either join a slimming club, an online weight loss website or start your own slimming group at work or with friends. At the very least share your weight loss goals with some people in your life who can hold you accountable. With peer pressure and encouragement you’re much more likely to maintain the necessary motivation. You can also make new friends and it will be fun too.

Drink plenty of water, tea or coffee but not soda, fizzy or sugared drinks, milkshakes and smoothies. You will feel better as your kidneys flush out the waste and you avoid the sugar highs and subsequent lows. And if you have a glass of water 10-15 minutes prior to your meal you will feel full once you start eating.