Intermittent fasting (as promoted so confidently by Gransnet)

golden girl you didn't quite understand my point. Initially I did just cut my portions, I cut them drastically, but with no effect. That was why I started looking at changing my eating patterns.

Why eating the same amount or possibly a bit more but changing the pattern of eating should be effective when it didn't work when the same intake was spread evenly over every day I do not know. All I know is that it works and that, surprisingly, I have no feeling of hunger or deprivation on the 'fast' days.

I was also fortunate enough to have an almost problem free menopause, but the menopause, just like puberty, can affect your body's metabolism.

Sorry for a slow reply. I have been on holiday for the past fortnight.

As I might have said before on here, the idea that exercising as a way of losing weight will sort out a lot of obesity is just not right.

We really do have to stop consuming more calories than the daily recommended amounts. The 5:2 allows us to still enjoy our favourite foods in reasonable proportions.

I also find diet days quite manageable hunger wise.

Just having been on a holiday I need to get back on track.

I find the daily recommended calorie allowances are far too high even though I am physically fit and lead an active life.

They are merely a guide and then each individual has to eat more or less until they find the right balance. For many older people the right balance is a lot less than they like to think and if we wish to stay healthy and fit many of us have to accept that we will need to adapt a policy of healthy self discipline and self restraint. In the past these restraints were thrust upon us by the financial constraints of lower wages, higher food prices and restrictions in supply.