On course to shift that weight gain

THERE’S a clever adage that describes middle age as the time when your broad mind and your narrow waist trade places.

You might even find that amusing if it wasn’t quite so true — though you don’t have to be middle-aged to get stuck with a stubborn spare tyre.

Anyone can gain weight around the middle and, increasingly, it’s a problem for all ages. It doesn’t help that modern-day living increases the risk of a thick middle. Stress in itself is enough to play havoc with your weight: the stress hormone cortisol can lead to sugar cravings which can bring about the notorious afternoon slump.