A diet expert has busted six of the most common weight loss myths, covering calorie counting, restriction and the value of frantic exercise.

These beliefs couldn't be further from the truth, according to Dr Nick Fuller, an Australian obesity expert and the author of Interval Weight Loss for Life.

He busts the six diet myths people most commonly believe as well as offering alternatives as a way of ensuring you achieve your weight loss goals with ease.

According to Dr Nick Fuller, calorie counting is one of the least effective things you can do to lose weight, while a fitness routine will also not solve all weight loss issues (stock image)

Myth one: You need to count calories

If you've previously dieted, chances are you've adhered to a regime of calorie counting as a way of making sure you stay within certain limits.

In an article for Sumo Salad, Dr Fuller said as far as he was concerned this was a pointless activity - as not all calories are equal.

He explained some foods, such as nuts and vegetables, come with a certain amount of calories listed on the label, however, when digested, the body doesn't absorb all these.

'You can succeed in losing weight without logging calories on an app or diary, it's much easier than that,' Dr Fuller said.

What is a body weight set point? Put simply, your body weight set point is your 'default' weight. The number of kilograms you're most constantly at and naturally revert back to after either losing or gaining weight. 'Everybody has a set point – a weight that they will remember being at for a prolonged period of time during their adult life (over 20),' said Dr Fuller speaking to Women's Health. 'The "set point" is different for every person – for some its 70kg, for others its 110kg. It’s the body weight we bounce back to after every period of stress.' Source: Womenshealth.co.uk

Myth two: You need to eat less and move more

One of the more enduring weight loss myths is people should eat less and move more.

However, sustainable weight loss doesn't strictly adhere to this simple equation, Dr Fuller said.

He explained taking this approach has its benefits initially, but over the long-term, the body will react, especially against strict routines.

'If people keep to very strict routines they've got in place, the body starts to prevent that weight loss and will work back to its starting point,' he said.

Weight loss is better thought of in terms of achieving a set point, the body's natural weight.

Myth three: Restrictive diets work

According to Dr Fuller, one of the worst things you can do when trying to lose weight is to put yourself on a restrictive diet.

His belief is when people are trying to lose weight, they should instead look to increase their food intake, but of course by eating the right foods.

Dr Fuller said the problem with restrictive types diets was the body starts adapting by going into starvation mode.

When this occurs, your metabolic rate slows and the body holds onto its fat reserves to make sure you don't continue to lose weight.

According to Dr Fuller, one of the worst things you can do when trying to lose weight is to put yourself on a restrictive diet

Myth four: Meal replacements help you lose weight

Meal replacements, in the form of bars or shakes, are fine in and of themselves, but they're not recommended as a long-term solution.

Instead, Dr Fuller recommends taking the time to learn how to cook some simple, healthy meals.

He said doing will help you recalibrate eating patterns as well as potentially address any underlying causes.

Myth five: Losing weight quicker is better

While it might seem the faster you lose weight the better you'll be, chances are you could be setting yourself up for failure.

If your body has readjusted itself to a new set point, any weight loss is viewed as a stressor which means after the diet has ended the body starts to regain what it's lost.

While caffeine can speed up your metabolism, this doesn't necessarily mean you will lose weight

To counter this, Dr Fuller recommends his interval weight loss approach.

This involves determining an amount you want to lose, say for example two kilograms. You achieve this, then allow the body to rest for a month. Then you start the process again, and so on.

Myth six: Metabolism-boosting foods can help you lose weight

Those in the business of marketing weight loss aids may suggest it's possible to speed up your metabolism by taking certain products.

Supplements containing caffeine, green tea, capsaicin (an active component of chilli peppers), do have some impact on metabolic rate, however, the effects are short-term.

Dr Fuller said even if you were to speed up your metabolism through the use of supplements, these may not have an overall effect on weight.

Instead, he believes it is better to concentrate your efforts on making healthier food choices and factoring in a range of positive lifestyle changes.