Following on from National Obesity Awareness Week and in the wake of new year resolutions, Premier Training is urging people to be cautious when considering crash diets.

The need for prudence during crash dieting was highlighted in a 2011 study at Newcastle University, which looked at the impact of a 800-calorie a day diet on people. The diet included three 200-calorie liquid shakes a day, plus 200 calories of non-starchy vegetables.

Despite showing signs of a possible breakthrough against type 2 diabetes, the study demonstrated the diet was difficult to adhere to due to constant hunger and bouts of fatigue. The researchers recommended it should only be followed under close medical supervision.

Premier Training’s northern tutor manager, Ben Pratt, says fitness professionals should advise their clients against extreme diets: “We advise obese and diabetic individuals reduce their sugar and starchy carbohydrate intake, avoiding processed foods where possible, with a return to higher quality, nutrient-dense foods.”

Premier Training runs a Level 4 Certificate in Exercise and Nutritional Interventions for Obesity and Diabetes, aimed at fitness professionals who want to help individuals manage their weight.