Frankie Phillips, dietitian: “The results highlight how easy it is to feel lost”

A survey at the end of last year showed that nearly half of Americans, 49 percent, planned to diet in order to lose weight, as one of their New Year’s resolutions. The counterparts on in Europe have similar intents.

A survey shows that more than half of Spaniards, 53 percent, admit they have turned to “miracle” diets to lose weight, a typical New Year’s resolution. Among the most popular approaches is intermittent fasting.

Lots of strategies to lose weight, but sticking to them can be hard

Beyond dieting, some people use other strategies, such as subscribing to meal delivery services or recipe kits to prepare healthier dishes, at 17 percent. Others increase their consumption of functional drinks, including vitamin-enriched juices and protein shakes, as part of their daily routine to boost physical performance, at 47 percent.

On the other hand, some take up high-intensity exercise or sign up for sporting challenges, such as marathons, at 23 percent, while others buy supplements promoted by celebrities on social media, at 21 percent.

Others choose a more balanced approach, such as increasing their intake of fruits and vegetables, at 62 percent, or eating more protein-rich foods, at 25 percent, in pursuit of a healthier lifestyle.

These findings come from a survey of 8,000 young adults aged 18 to 24 in Spain, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The results also show that 43 percent of Spaniards set health goals every year, but 40 percent fail to stick to them, and 30 percent believe their strategies do not deliver lasting benefits.

Although gym memberships are becoming more affordable, the survey reveals that 37 percent of Spaniards say maintaining a healthy lifestyle is difficult due to the overwhelming number of options available, and 38 percent feel more pressure than ever to lose weight. In addition, nearly three quarters, 73 percent, say that online misinformation makes the path to a healthier life more complicated and confusing.

In this context, British dietitian and public health expert Frankie Phillips explained to Sustain Health Magazine that “this research highlights just how easy it is for people to feel pulled in different directions when it comes to health and wellbeing. While quick fixes, extreme challenges and celebrity-backed solutions may seem appealing, they’re rarely sustainable and often add to the sense of pressure and confusion, resulting in disappointment.”

“The most effective approach is still the simplest one — focusing on realistic, evidence-based habits, such as starting the day with a vitamin C packed fruit juice, rather than chasing short-term results,” the nutrition expert advises.

Her five key tips

For Frankie Phillips, building a solid foundation is essential. “Eat a balanced mix of fruit and veg, lean protein (eggs, fish, pulses, chicken) and wholegrains to support everyday energy and health,” she explains. She also advocates for small changes that lead to big results: “Skip extreme plans. Small, realistic tweaks to what you eat and how you move are easier to stick to—and add up over time.”

She also emphasizes smart hydration: “Water isn’t everyone’s first choice so hydrate smarter with a 100% orange juice which provides potassium – an electrolyte vital for optimal muscle function – and vitamin C.”

She adds: “Focus on what you can include—more fruit and veg, fibre-rich beans and pulses, and enjoyable ways to move—rather than cutting foods out. Ditch the fads and follow advice from qualified health professionals who prioritise evidence-based, sustainable habits over quick fixes.”

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