Internet caution for fighting flab

Internet users looking for safe diet advice should watch out for:

Named professionals. Remember that 'doctors' may be academics who have no medical qualifications and not all medical doctors are experts in nutrition;

Evidence to back up the advice and any products being promoted on the site;

Personalised service tailored to individual needs and taking account of family medical history, your age, height and weight, previous dieting attempts and food preferences;

Words of caution, that losing too much weight too rapidly can be dangerous, along with strenuous exercise for a beginner;

Advice to check with a doctor before beginning any weight-loss programme;