Dieting is unlikely to lead to long-term weight loss and may put a person's health at risk, a study says.

US researchers found people typically lose between 5% and 10% of their weight during the first six months of a diet.

But the review of 31 previous studies, by the University of California, said up to two-thirds put more weight on than they had lost within five years.

Repeatedly losing and gaining weight is linked to heart disease and stroke, the American Psychologist journal reported.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6540493.stm

[But lettuce was supposed to be healthy — even if I dressed it with chocolate and mayonnaise!]