'I have never lasted longer than two days'

Gillian Sterling hates diets. The problem is she loves food and alcohol too much, and dieting is just plain boring by comparison.

"I have never lasted longer than two days," admits the mother of four from Wandsworth, who works in PR.

"I just have to have another glass of wine or a little piece of biscuit or chocolate. You think 'this one doesn't matter'. The thing is, lettuce is not as much fun as a box of Bendicks.

"I have never met anyone who has successfully gone on a longterm diet. Dieting is boring and food is good. What really matters is a long-term balanced approach.

"I'm rounder than I was and could happily lose half a stone. After four children, it's hard to shed unwanted pounds.

"But men don't give a stuff about women being on a diet. If they like you, they like you the way you are. The diet industry was created by women for women," said Mrs Stirling, 42.

Her willpower is stronger when it comes to exercise and she swims regularly.

However, she dismisses gyms, saying: "Why would I want to be in a ghastly room with 50 people I have never met pouring with sweat? That's not fun."