The Healthy Lifestyle Service for Cambridgeshire

Fad diets fail because they’re restrictive, promise quick fixes, and can create guilt and overeating. Lasting weight loss comes from balanced eating, sustainable habits, managing emotions, sleep, and stress, and finding enjoyable ways to move—focusing on long-term lifestyle changes rather than temporary extremes.

Stress is a natural response to pressure and can be motivating in short bursts, but long-term stress can harm your health. Unlike depression, it’s usually situation-specific. Managing stress early through self-care and support is important, and you should contact your GP if it becomes overwhelming.

Physical activity has many benefits, but getting children moving can be tricky. Encourage activity through structured exercise, creative games, or hobbies turned into movement. Join in to boost enjoyment, and use NEAT activities—like walking, housework, or dancing—to build healthy habits. Fun, engagement, and family involvement are key.