Take a load off with weight-loss expert Dr Amanda Sainsbury-Salis.

Drugs - cure or con?

Q: Do any of the weight-loss pills you can buy over the counter actually work?

AW, Bardon, Qld

A: While many over-the-counter products claim to speed up metabolism or reduce kilojoule absorption, most studies show that weight loss is due to efforts to eat less and/or move more.

You're better off investing in a variety of nutritious foods (including plenty of vegies and fruits) and comfy shoes to encourage you to walk more.



Night fare

Q: What's the best snack to eat just before going to bed? (Please don't say celery.)

LS, Brookvale, NSW


A: Anything wholesome that doesn't ruin your appetite for breakfast. Make sure you eat because you feel physically hungry. You may be surprised about how little food it takes to make you feel satisfied and keep you hunger-free all night.

Try a chamomile tea with honey, nuts, a few prunes, a glass of warm milk or wholegrain crackers with a slice of cheese.



Oh sugar, sugar

Q: I' m on a low-kilojoule diet but I'm really craving sweet things. Do you have any suggestions?

KC, Gepps Cross, SA


A: Sounds like the diet has triggered your "famine reaction", a survival mechanism that kicks in to protect
you from wasting away by making you crave fattening foods.

The solution is to eat whenever you feel hungry (but only when you feel hungry), choosing mostly wholesome foods. Allow yourself an occasional treat of the food you crave to help tide you over.

Dr Amanda Sainsbury-Salis leads a research team at the Eating Disorders Research Group at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. Nine years ago she lost 28kg.


Send your weight-loss questions to Amanda here

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Nicole Goodwin	Dr Ginni Mansberg	Dr Traci Coventry
Sarah Hanson-Young	Dr Amanda Sainsbury-Salis	Michelle Bridges
Sharon Natoli	Teresa Cutter	Dr Suzy Green