One surprising thing may be stopping you losing weight - and it's not food

A doctor has revealed the number one thing he advises patients to cut if they want to shed some pounds. Rather than slashing carbs or banning chocolate, Professor Franklin Joseph says the key to a successful diet could be tackling the calories you drink.

He said: "If you're serious about losing weight, the first thing I'd cut is liquid calories. That means fizzy drinks, fruit juices, milky coffees, even those so-called 'healthy' smoothies. They're packed with sugar and calories but do nothing to fill you up." Prof Joseph explained that many people do not realise how many calories their favourite drinks contain, meaning that simple swaps could help you cut hundreds of calories a day.

He added: "You can drink a caramel latte, a glass of orange juice and a smoothie in one morning and clock up 600 calories before you've even had lunch.

"And you'll still feel hungry because your body doesn't register liquid calories in the same way as food."

Tea and coffee are less calorific but drinking multiple cups with milk throughout the day can add up, the expert said.

"Two sugars and a generous splash of milk in every cup might not sound like much, but over five or six brews a day, it mounts up fast," he said.

"Switching to black coffee or herbal tea is an easy win if you're trying to cut back without overthinking it."

Occasional treats are fine but Prof Joseph recommended swapping some high-calorie beverages for water, black coffee or herbal teas.

And he warned against consuming too many supposedly healthy drinks like smoothies, shop-bought protein shakes, and coconut water. He added: "They look healthy but they're often full of sugar and very high in calories.

"If you're drinking your calories, you're doing yourself no favours. Eat your food, don't drink it. It's the simplest change with the biggest payoff,.

"Most people don't want to overhaul their entire diet overnight - and they don't have to. Cut the liquid calories first and your weight will start to shift."