How to lose weight - 5 cheap ways to drop those kgs in 2017

Christmas is over and New Year's resolutions made - so here's how you can shift that festive (or other) weight without spending big on gym contracts or diet plans

1. Get to your doctor

Being a bit podgy might not be a medical emergency, but it is a medical concern and so your doctor should be able to help you.

They will be able to discuss whether it’s safe to exercise, what weight you should be aiming for and what lifestyle changes will help you reach and stay at a healthy size.

Some practises will even offer weight loss clinics and support, which you’d pay for if you joined a weight-loss group, others may refer you to a subsidised weight loss support group.

2. Get online

No. Googling "lose weight" doesn't count as exercise...

The internet is full of companies trying to sell weight loss solutions, but it’s also filled with some excellent free advice.

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And if you want support from other dieters then the web is full of forums and blogs where you can share your experiences with an understanding ear or two.

3. Get fit for free

There are fitness events all over the country - where no one will judge you

Not everyone agrees that exercise helps with weight loss, but everyone accepts that being fitter is healthier.

You may be tempted to sign up to a class, club or tie yourself into a long, expensive contract with a local gym.

But before you spend a fortune, it’s worth trying some of the free ways to get fit.

4. Eat well for less

Good food doesn't have to cost the earth

It’s a sad truth that junk food is often cheaper than fresh fruit and vegetables, and if you’re not totally confident in the kitchen then healthy eating on a budget can seem impossible.

But again, there’s a lot of free advice online on how to prepare simple, healthy and cheap meals.

And having planned your meals in advance can really cut down on what you waste, meaning you could lose weight and spend less.

5. Don’t pay for ‘easy’ options

They may weigh a ton, but they're the wrong sort of pounds to lose

There are no silver bullets for healthy weight loss; it takes time to achieve your goals.

You might be tempted into paying for meal replacements, healthy eating books and dieting clubs, only to find the weight piles right back on once you stop.

Before paying a penny for a miracle cure, try these free ideas.

Gradual, healthy weight loss with the support of your GP or fellow dieters has been shown to help keep the pounds off in the long term. Just because something costs money doesn’t mean it works better.