Adults try, fail at weight loss: study

According to a new study, most adults have tried to lose weight in the past year, but most have not lost as much as they wanted to.

Taking part in gentle exercise just twice a week has huge advantages for the over-50s, Rockingham fitness instructor Dale King said, ahead of nationwide Healthy Weight week which began on Monday.

Ms King said up to 50 sprightly seniors, some of who are in their 80s, attended twice weekly Prime Movers sessions at Mike Barnett Sports Complex in a bid to maintain a healthy weight and mobility.

She said dance-based exercises set to music, stretches and muscle work using a chair gave participants the know-how to exercise at home as well.

“With Prime Movers, it doesn’t matter about age or capability — it can be difficult to lose weight the older we get but the main thing is, exercise helps to stop weight gain,” Ms King said.

“One lady was having trouble with her shoulder and after a few weeks of gentle exercise and stretching, she said she was feeling much better.”

The study from online polling firm Newspoll found 36 per cent of people over 40 found it difficult to lose weight.

It found one in four adults had tried popular diets such as meal replacement shakes, fasting and the Atkins diet.

Dietitians Association of Australia spokeswoman Dr Clare Collins said the key to losing weight was to never give up, put your health first, start small and get support to help achieve your goals.