Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

what science says about how to lose weight and whether you really need to

  • Written by Sunanda Creagh, Head of Digital Storytelling

Everywhere you turn these days, there’s a diet ad, or family member or friend raving about some new diet that apparently works wonders.

But what does the research actually say about how to lose weight - and if you even need to lose it in the first place?

To find out, The Conversation’s Alexandra Hansen interviewed Clare Collins, a professor in nutrition and dietetics at the University of Newcastle.

Professor Collins, who recently wrote an article titled The science behind diet trends like mono, charcoal detox, Noom and Fast800, also designed a free online course called The science of weight loss – dispelling diet myths.

Alexandra began by asking Clare Collins how a person would know if they needed to change their diet.

Read more: The science behind diet trends like mono, charcoal detox, Noom and Fast800

New to podcasts?

Podcasts are often best enjoyed using a podcast app. All iPhones come with the Apple Podcasts app already installed, or you may want to listen and subscribe on another app such as Pocket Casts (click here to listen to Trust Me, I’m An Expert on Pocket Casts).

You can also hear us on Stitcher, Spotify or any of the apps below. Just pick a service from one of those listed below and click on the icon to find Trust Me, I’m An Expert.

Listen on Apple Podcasts what science says about how to lose weight and whether you really need to

Stitcher Listen on TuneIn

Listen on RadioPublic what science says about how to lose weight and whether you really need to

Read more: Health Check: what's the best diet for weight loss?

Additional reading:

The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating

Credits:

Recording and editing by Wes Mountain and Chynthia Wijaya, additional editing by Sunanda Creagh.

Additional audio

Kindergarten by Unkle Ho, from Elefant Traks.

CNN report.

BBC report.

Images

Shutterstock

Authors: Sunanda Creagh, Head of Digital Storytelling

Read more http://theconversation.com/trust-me-im-an-expert-what-science-says-about-how-to-lose-weight-and-whether-you-really-need-to-122635

The Most Common Causes of Concrete Deterioration (And How to Prevent Them)

Concrete is known for its strength, longevity, and reliability—but even the most durable surfaces can deteriorate over time if they’re exposed t...

Mat Pilates vs Reformer Pilates: What’s Better for Strength, Mobility, and Control?

Pilates has surged in popularity across Australia, and for good reason—it delivers a rare combination of strength, mobility, control, and mindful ...

Your guide to SEO for local business

Most people search online before they buy. In fact, 97% of people learn more about a local company online than anywhere else (Source: HubSpot). That m...

Indigenous Voices in Film, Literature & Music: Why They Matter More Than Ever

Across Australia and around the world, Indigenous storytelling is experiencing a long-overdue surge of recognition. First Nations creators are bring...

Mayfair Funerals: A Fresh, Intimate Approach for Perth Families

Description: Mayfair Funerals is reshaping funeral care in Perth with a compassionate, personal and affordable approach. Their signature Intimate Cre...

Barbecue Boats – The New Must-Have for Retirees!

When your working years are behind you, it’s time to kick back and relax. You’ve earned it! And there’s no better way to do that than by purch...

Pizza Brisbane City: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Slice in the CBD

Brisbane's city centre has evolved into a vibrant culinary destination, and nowhere is this transformation more evident than in its thriving pizza s...

Maximising Your Savings: How to Choose a Competitive Savings Account in Australia

In today's economic climate, Australians are increasingly focused on making their money work harder. With interest rates fluctuating and living cost...

What to Know When Researching a Tummy Tuck on the Gold Coast

Body confidence is something many people seek to improve as they move through different stages of life. Pregnancy, weight fluctuations and ageing ca...

Employer of Record Services & Manpower Outsourcing — The Smart Solution for Seamless Workforce Management

Expanding into Asian markets can feel overwhelming for many Australian businesses, especially when hiring employees in regions like Singapore, Malaysi...

Why Far-Infrared Saunas Are Becoming a Must-Have in Australian Homes; Just What Is a Far-Infrared Sauna?

A far-infrared sauna uses far-infrared (FIR) wavelengths to heat the body directly instead of relying on high cabin temperatures. Unlike traditional...

Tax Accountants Melbourne: Expert Support for Compliance and Financial Efficiency

Taxation is one of the most critical — and often most complex — aspects of financial management. Whether you’re a business owner, property inv...

Pinboard: A Practical and Stylish Solution for Organisation, Display, and Inspiration

In homes, classrooms, and offices across Melbourne, the pinboard has long been a staple for organisation, communication, and creativity. Simple yet ...

Solar Panels Geelong: Powering Homes and Businesses with Clean, Renewable Energy

Across Victoria, and particularly in regional hubs like Geelong, solar energy has become an increasingly popular investment for those looking to red...

Hurstville Tutoring: Helping Students Reach Their Full Academic Potential

In a world where education is becoming increasingly competitive, students often need extra guidance to excel. For families seeking quality academic ...

A First-Time Author’s Guide to Eco-Friendly Book Printing in Melbourne

Congratulations! You’ve done the hard part: you’ve actually finished a manuscript. That alone puts you ahead of countless people who say they’ll...

The Paint Job That Sells Homes: Design That Speaks Value Before You Step Inside

A proper paint job can do much more than simply modernize the color of the walls; it can affect how implicit buyers view a home. In real estate, curb ...

Global Humanitarian Alison Thompson Named 2026 NSW Australian of the Year — Why First Aid Knowledge Matters

Global humanitarian Alison Thompson OAM has been named the 2026 Australian of the Year for New South Wales, recognised for her decades of frontline re...