Weight loss over forty needs commitment and dedication. This is the second in our series of free weight loss tips to give you practical help and support in your battle with the flab.

The slowing of metabolic processes as you get older can make it difficult to reach and maintain a target weight and there's nothing more aging, nor more unheathly, than flab in the wrong places.

To achieve your weight loss goal you'll need a bit of help. Expending more energy than you take in may sound simple, but it's a different matter in practice.  Here's another ten weight loss tips to help you along the way: 

Avoid anything with trans fats (hydrogenated fat) and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). You'll see these things in a lot of commonly available foods. They contribute to weight gain - as well as many other health problems. Steer clear and pick up a healthy option - fresh fruit, vegetables, salad and lean meat.

Comparisons are odious. Your body is different from anyone else’s and will lose and gain weight in different ways. Two people following the same program won’t have the same results, so don’t get discouraged if you can’t lose weight as easily as a friend.

Remember - the sexes lose weight differently. If you’re dieting with your male partner, he may (annoyingly) shed pounds more quickly. This is because men generally drop weight more easily than women, who are biologically programmed to retain fat - particularly around areas like hips and thighs.  

Avoid diet pills, crash diets, and gimmicks. There’s no such thing as a magic solution. These commercial products and plans are out to get your money. They only work when combined with a proper diet and exercise – which are what help you to lose weight anyway.

Up your intake of vitamins. A natural multi-vitamin supplements can improve your health overall and help you to lose weight a little faster.

Target your ideal weight.  Find out what your ideal weight is (based on your BMI) and target that as your end goal. The ideal weight is the one where you will be the healthiest, and it’s important not to try to drop below it, thinking that thinner is better.

Go 'cold turkey' on fast food. It’s bad for you, and it comes in portions that will make you gain, rather than drop pounds. Convenience is not worth the extra fat it makes you put on. Make a lifetime lifestyle switch to healthier fresher food and you'll look younger and feel fitter almost instantly.

Don't develop an unhealthy relationship with the bathroom scales. Weigh yourself regularly but don't obsess.  Hiding from the scale will make you want to ignore the problem. Remember that your weight fluctuates throughout the day and that your weight on a given day might not be related to your current food consumption. Keep your eye on the trend, not the daily number.

Think long term.  Remind yourself of your goal. If you’re tempted to put another dollop of mayonnaise on your sandwich, be sure to think first about whether it will sabotage your diet changes. Priorities are vital in weight loss.

Exercise regularly. Without activity, you might lose muscle before you lose fat, which is a disastrous situation. Muscle mass raises your metabolic rate and helps you burn fat - if you lose muscle your metabolic rate will plummet and it will be even more difficult to achieve your weight loss goals.

So - keep going - progress will be slow but this is a good thing.  Crash dieting will guarantee a return of the pounds very quickly.  Don't forget your weight loss goal is in sight - follow our series of tips and you'll soon look younger and feel fitter than you have in years!