Weight loss has become extremely big business in the US, with a third of all Americans now indicating that they are on a diet.

The Calorie Control Council has found that there are now more dieters in the US than at any other time in the last 15 years and it seems certain that many more will join the list after the inevitable over-indulgence of Christmas. While the research has focused exclusively on the US, its findings appear to be equally relevant to the UK and throughout Europe.

Robin Steagall, the council's nutrition communications manager, has advised prospective dieters that they need to keep a close eye on the calories they are consuming and the calories they are expending.

"By choosing lower-calorie foods and beverages and incorporating exercise into the daily lifestyle, weight loss and improved health can be maintained for life," he added.

Looking ahead, Mr Steagall imagines that 2007 will be based around "positive change", as more and more people focus on healthy lifestyle choices as opposed to dangerous fads aimed at rapid weight loss.

The Calorie Control Council has also predicted that healthy living will become a matter that families address collectively next year. Governments around the world are beginning to appreciate the enormity of the problem with childhood obesity and it is thought there will be concerted efforts to correct the issue through exercises and programmes that involve the whole family.

The new report also suggests that exercise will become a part of the everyday, as individuals ensure they are burning off enough calories to keep their weight under control. Complementing this will be the rising prominence of personalised eating plans, as people focus on "sensible nutrition" rather than fads.

Elsewhere, the council believes that restaurants will begin to offer a variety of low-calorie and reduced-fat foods, responding to the growing demand for these meals from health-conscious diners.

A recent British Medical Journal report found that obesity-related illnesses account for nine per cent of the NHS budget and are threatening to bankrupt the system in the foreseeable future.

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