Log on for cyber diets

If you're fed up trying to lose those extra holiday pounds through diet books or gym sessions, you might find salvation on your computer. A raft of cyberslimming websites is set to transform the weight-loss industry.

This week Tesco announced it is to launch the British version of ediets.com, where you log on for a tailor-made programme. But do such services offer good advice?

Dietician Amanda Wynne says: "Look for qualifications - a registered dietician is a credible source. If diet advice for a specific medical condition is needed, a GP should be consulted first."

ediets.com

Costing £12.99 a month, it claims to be the only service to offer such a wide variety of diets - 12 programmes, ranging from low-fat and lowcarb to wheat- and lactose-free diets. Offering tailor-made nutritional advice, the site also provides a team of "cyber-counsellors" to offer shopping lists.

Verdict

Amanda says: "This is very comprehensive but it seems to promote the Atkins diet which, even though hugely popular, can cause problems, so be careful."

www.cafeslim.co.uk

A good option for picky eaters because it allows you to choose foods rather than follow a plan. Subscribers are promised complete anonymity. It costs £3.99 per week with a registration fee of £5.99.

Verdict

Amanda says: "It seems to give sensible information - the sample menu looks quite healthy and the personal meal plan service aimed at your likes and dislikes is a good idea. A sensible rate of weight loss seems to be promoted."

www.onlineslimmingclub.co.uk

This is great if you want to share stories with other slimmers. The club offers incentives for losing weight and certificates for weightloss milestones. You pay a £19.95 fee, followed by monthly payments of £10, or a 12-month fee of £59.95, followed by £10 per month.

Verdict

Amanda says: "This is quite a pricey option. Although the advice is useful, you could get much of this for free on good dietary websites."

www.vitaline-slimming.co.uk

Costing £46.95 for a four-week course, Vitaline's slimming expert Norah Elizabeth Lane claims: "I will provide you with a personal diet to speed up your metabolism and give you quick results." Diets are altered as your metabolism speeds up.

Verdict

Amanda says: "Excess weight isn't about metabolism - it's a result of eating excess calories and not taking enough exercise. So be careful - it's also an expensive fee."