Let's be honest, most of us wish we were half a stone lighter. It's a weight-loss goal that seems achievable and will almost certainly lead to a slimmer waistline and improved confidence.
But dieticians believe shedding just 7lb will also do wonders for our physical health. Speaking to The Times, Duane Mellor, a researcher and teaching fellow in nutrition at Aston University Medical School, said losing a surplus half stone brings immediate benefits to most people.
"There can be a big improvement to metabolic health and joint health and reduced risk of disease with relatively small amounts of weight loss," he said. "If you can lose half a stone instead of gaining it in your forties to sixties, then your longevity prospects soar."
