As the new year prompts many to seek self-improvement, a fitness expert has gone viral with a remarkably simple strategy for consistent weight loss. The advice, which doesn't involve overhauling your diet, promises a steady loss of one pound of body fat per week.
The Viral Fitness Advice for January
Louis Baker-Stroud, a personal trainer who shares fitness and nutrition tips on TikTok, has captured attention with a straightforward proposition for those aiming to shed pounds in 2024. In a recent video, he outlined a single change designed to help anyone lose 1lb of fat every single week.
Addressing viewers directly, he stated: "Episode one of losing one pound of fat every single week by just making one simple change that even the dimmest village idiot could do." He emphasised that this method could help people lose up to half a stone without resorting to extreme diets, skipping meals, or following complex food regimes.
The One Simple Change: Walk More
The core of Louis's advice is deceptively simple: increase your daily step count. He specifically recommends adding an extra 2,000 steps to your current daily total.
"The first thing I want you to do is just add 2,000 more steps to your day than what you're currently doing," he instructed. "If you're doing 3,000 at the minute, start doing 5,000 every day. Just don't miss a day."
Completing this additional activity typically takes between 15 to 30 minutes of walking, which can easily be incorporated into a daily routine. Suggestions include taking a longer route during a lunch break or walking to local shops instead of driving.
Mixed Reactions and Expert Backing
The advice garnered a wave of positive feedback from followers eager for an accessible starting point. One commenter wrote: "Well that’s a good, easy tip so I’m gonna drop you a follow," while another pledged to "give it a go."
However, not all viewers were convinced. Some pointed out they already exceed high step counts without seeing weight loss results, with one stating they do 13,000 steps daily yet still find losing weight "impossible."
This simple hack aligns with broader public health guidance. The NHS advocates a daily brisk 10-minute walk for its numerous health benefits, citing it as one of the easiest ways to get more active, manage weight, and improve health. A brisk walk is defined as about three miles per hour—a pace where you can talk but not sing the words to a song.
For many in the UK reflecting on their health after the festive period, this advice offers a low-barrier entry to increased physical activity. While individual results will vary based on metabolism, diet, and overall lifestyle, incorporating more movement remains a cornerstone of healthy weight management endorsed by medical professionals.
