IF you're trying to lose weight with a quick fix, you're not alone.
New research shows many Australians are turning to fad diets to try and achieve their goals.
Commissioned by the Dietitians Association of Australia, the study surveyed 1033 Australians aged 18 to 64.
It found 46 per cent of adults had tried to lose weight in the past year, with 47 per cent turning to a specific diet or diet program.
The association's spokesperson Professor Clare Collins said many popular 'diets' come with meal plans and programs, priced at up to $200 for eight weeks.
But it's not just the sign-up costs that pull at the purse strings, with many diet plans pushing costly recipes and ingredients.
"Coconut oil pops up in many popular diet plans these days, but it's around four times the price of heart-healthy olive oil, and 'sugar-alternatives' like maple syrup, at $9.00/100ml, will hurt your hip pocket, without saving you kilojoules," she said.
"Beware of products piggybacking onto health trends, like Paleo and protein bars, some of which will set you back $3.00 for a tiny 40g bar, whereas you can buy an apple for less than a dollar."
Professor Collins said the greatest weight loss success stories came from ongoing counselling and support.
"Studies comparing different diets, such as the 5:2 diet and a reduced-kilojoule diet, show that weight loss slows once dietitian follow-up stops, regardless of the diet followed. Having that regular touch point for support is key."
February 13-19 marks Australia's Healthy Weight Week.
It encourages people to make simple changes towards their health, including smart eating and cooking at home to help achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
