Ban empty calories: readers on diet, exercise and the UK's weight-loss problem

Independent readers say the UK’s food and activity environment—cheap ultra-processed food, large portions and reduced everyday movement—makes losing weight harder, and many report that keeping weight off long term is the main challenge.

Independent readers responded to why losing weight feels so difficult in the UK and shared methods that helped them. Many pointed to environmental factors such as cheap ultra-processed food, oversized portions and less everyday movement compared with the past. Several contributors contrasted the UK with France, noting differences in school meals, portion norms and overall food culture. While readers listed practical approaches that worked for them, most said sustaining weight loss over the long term remains hard. Readers' observations: - Many readers described the environment as working against weight loss, citing ready meals, constant snacking and larger portions. - Some contributors contrasted France’s meal culture and school food with the UK, suggesting different early-life food norms influence outcomes. - A common theme was that weight loss is straightforward in principle—reducing calories, cutting processed foods, smaller portions or restricted eating windows—but maintaining it is difficult. - Exercise was widely praised for health benefits but was rarely described as sufficient on its own; ageing, persistent hunger and ingrained habits were noted as factors in regain. Summary: Readers framed the issue largely as an interaction between individual choices and a broader food and activity environment, and many said long-term maintenance is the main unresolved problem. Undetermined at this time.