IT'S the ultimate way to lose weight - you get to do absolutely nothing except spend an hour extra in bed.

New research revealed at the Edinburgh International Science Festival claims extra sleep helps stop us feeling hungry.

Apparently the hormones which control appetite are affected by lack of sleep, fooling the brain into thinking the body needs more food.

So an extra hour's sleep a night could cut about 100 calories from food intake adding up to a weight loss of 10 pounds in a year.

Here we take a look at some of the other ways to lose weight without even trying for the ultimate guide to diet cheats.


If you don't want to give up some of your favourite foods then switch to lower calorie versions. Go light with things like mayonnaise and opt for reduced fat cheese. Try to avoid fizzy drinks as the bubbles will bloat your stomach. But if you have to have a little then go for the low-calorie options.


Although it's not known exactly how acupuncture works many people are convinced by its effectiveness in making it easier to lose weight.

Needles inserted into specific points on the body and in the ear are thought to release endorphins which have a calming and relaxing effect. That should make it easier to deal with stress, frustration and anxiety that can trigger overeating and bingeing on fattening foods.

Endorphins are also said to affect the digestive and hormonal systems so acupuncture could help rebalance the metabolism and boost willpower.


This doesn't involve any effort on your part, although it's hard work for your therapist. Lying down and being treated to a massage will leave you feeling great. And according to Glasgow-based holistic therapist Anna Malone, of Hands of Peace, it will actually help you lose a little weight because it gets rid of some fluid retention. She says the massage helps disperse the fluid between the tissues and can also help improve cellulite. (Hands of Peace 0141 429 0917)


Lida DaiDaihua Slimming Capsule aids weight loss by helping people feel fuller for longer after meals and speeds up metabolic rate 18 times.

The women didn't change anything about their diet or lifestyle during this time.

This special combination of Chinese herbs apparently works by reducing fat around the waist and buttocks.


If you can workout without even realising it, this will help you on the road to fitness and losing weight. Sex will help you burn off around 120 calories in half an hour, or an hour's worth of ironing will help you shed 130 calories. If you're feeling really lethargic then writing a letter for half an hour will cut 31 calories - and hopefully take your mind off chocolate.


Herbs such as kelp can boost the metabolism through helping the thyroid and boldo improves the liver function. To help a bloating stomach try peppermint or fennel - you won't lose weight but your tum should look flatter. Check the labels on over-the-counter remedies as these sometimes contain caffeine which will make you lose water, so it'll only be a temporary weight loss which herbalists don't recommend. (For a consultation with a medical herbalist contact Napiers Herbal Health Care on 0141 339 5859)


A hobby will keep you occupied and make you less likely to think about food. If you're sitting in front of the telly you're more likely to think about snacking. Get yourself out and away from the food cupboards and the fridge between meals.


Your metabolism breaks food down and turns it into energy-burning calories so you want it to be working efficiently. For this you need to drink plenty of water. If you don't drink enough, you won't burn as many calories as you can. If you're dehydrated any weight-loss will slow down and your digestion will suffer. Water's also a great way to help fill yourself up.


You can lose weight by eating more - but only if you fill up on healthy food options so that you won't want the unhealthy ones. Allow yourself an extra portion of vegetables or another piece of fruit. Fill up on the things that'll make you healthy.