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We’re spending more than £200 million on weight loss medicines, according to pharmacists – up by 56% since last October, with 1.5 million Brits in March buying products like WeGovy and

Mounjaro jabs – but could we be missing a more affordable hack to manage our weight? Dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton, who is working with General Mills to raise awareness about fibre, said: “Jabs

are seen as a quick fix, but they still need you to change your diet long term to avoid rapid weight regain. With the dip in hunger, you also have to eat a nutrient-rich diet to meet all of

your body’s needs. “A new study from the University of Oxford, which analysed data from more than 6,000 individuals, found that people regained weight 20 times faster after stopping weight

loss jabs compared with those who had gone down the diet and behavioural change route. “A more affordable option is to boost the fibre content of your diet. Fibre, also called roughage,

naturally curbs appetite by making you feel fuller for longer. And you also get the added benefit of a healthier gut since so-called ‘friendly bacteria’ thrive when you eat more fibre. “Yet,

a recent survey from General Mills, makers of Fibre One and Nature Valley, found that just four in ten people have heard of fibre while only a fifth are actively trying to add more to their

diets. A major issue is, beyond obvious sources like bran flakes or wholegrain bread, most people can’t identify high fibre foods.” Dr Ruxton added: “The General Mills survey revealed

widespread confusion. In fact, a sizable proportion mistakenly believe fibre could be found in eggs. A national target for wholegrains would help, especially if there was an official logo to

use on food labels. But the government would need to lead on this as it controls food regulation. “There’s more we can all do to choose higher fibre options and help to control our appetite

naturally. Why not try my five tips?” DR CARRIE RUXTON’S FIBRE HACKS DUMP WHITE BREAD FOR WHOLEGRAIN “White bread is made from refined flour, which removes most of the fibre. Choose breads

labelled as ‘wholegrain’ or ‘wholemeal’. Even moving to ‘half and half’ is a good start.” DOUBLE YOUR VEG “Don’t just have one serving of veg with your lunch and evening meal – boost it up

to two. Great fibre sources are peas, sweet potatoes, sweet corn, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts and swede.” SMART SWAPS “Sweets, cakes and biscuits are all high in sugar and low in fibre.

Swap to nuts, seeds and dried fruit, which are all rich in fibre. Products like Fibre One, which contain chicory root extract, are also healthier snacking options.” MIX UP YOUR MEAT DISHES

“Popular dishes like Bolognese, curry, stews and stir fries can all be boosted with fibre. Try adding tinned chickpeas, butter beans or lentils to homemade meals. Swap white rice for

wholegrain rice or cous cous and keep skins on potatoes.” DEJUNK DESSERT “Add some fibre into your sweet treats by switching high-calorie ice-creams and mousses for Greek yoghurt with

cherries, homemade smoothies with frozen fruit, apple juice and spinach, or tinned peaches with custard.”