Dieting & extra pounds

In quest for an hourglass figure and washboard abs, many dieters end up putting on extra pounds.

In the quest for an hourglass figure and washboard abs, many dieters end up putting on extra pounds, a survey has revealed.

According to the BBC, the British Dietetic Association said a survey of 4,000 men and women found an obsession with "yoyo' dieting, in which they experiment with every new plan that they hear of.

The survey found that over a quarter of the people are constantly fighting the bulge. But, over 40 percent admit that they end up giving in to temptation.

"A lot of diets, such as Atkin's, South Beach or the grapefruit diet involve rigorous eating plans," Lis Anderson, a spokeswoman for the British Dietetic Association, was quoted as saying.

"People get fed up, and go back to having a few treats. In addition, often they haven't involved exercise in their weight-loss plan, so they do put weight on," she added.

Women revealed they were more likely to gain weight back after a diet, with nearly 40 percent saying they ended up being heavier than before.

To try to help people diet more effectively, the British Dietetic Association has launched an internet guide, called bdaweightwise.com that offers practical advice and support, including a body mass index calculator and a home exercise programme.