Contrary to the popular notion, dieting does not help rectify obesity in a person. Diets always fail in the long-term because the very nature of diets is aimed at a short-term deprivation plan. “It is crucial for the person to realise that there is something wrong about his food choices, and that he has to be open to fresh ideas and new food options,” says Henry.

He explains that an obese person should change his eating pattern completely. He should try and eat foods found in the healthy part of the spectrum which includes whole grains, nuts, fresh vegetables, salads and fruits.

“It is hard to give up old food habits, you can cheat and treat yourself to your favourite snack once a week without any problem,” Henry says. According to him, exercises should never be too heavy if the person is overweight; rather one should begin with a walk and slowly build the stamina to do exercise like running and aerobics.

Meanwhile, Poorun explains that it is important to keep dinner as light as possible. Metabolism being at its lowest at night time, there is a tendency for the body to convert heavy meals into fat deposits.