Only 50 per cent of women will lose enough weight to fit into the dress they have bought for their Christmas party, a survey has shown.

The other 50 per cent will leave it in their wardrobe with their unused ladies fitness wear or take it back to the shop.

Research from global nutrition company Herbalife also found that the average woman will spend £68 on a new dress for the Christmas party season.

Gavin Aley, director of sales and marketing at Herbalife, said: ''Often dieters set themselves unrealistic targets and this can have a negative impact on their overall goals, leaving them feeling as though they have failed."

He added that "panic dieting" in order to lose weight quickly for an event or special occasion can be "counter-productive in the long run".

The NHS advises women who want to lose weight to swap fatty foods with healthy alternatives, to read food labels and to don their ladies fitness wear and get active. ADNFCR-2569-ID-19488124-ADNFCR

Sport & Fitness Clothing News - Latest Stories

Danger of exercise to hypertensive people 'blocked'

Posted on 06-Apr-11

Scientists have found a way of preventing a greater increase in the blood pressure of women with hypertension when they exercise in their ladies running clothing.

Sport for all initiative hailed a success

Posted on 06-Apr-11

People of all ages, abilities and walks of life donned their gym clothing recently to take part in free sports sessions at the University of Nottingham.

Exercise 'keeps the heart young'

Posted on 05-Apr-11

Women who exercise regularly throughout their lives have stronger, healthier hearts than those who do not don their ladies fitness clothing often, a study has suggested.

Using own body mass 'is helpful in resistance exercise'

Posted on 04-Apr-11

Older women can benefit from donning their gym clothing and taking part in resistance exercises that include using their own body weight.

Progressive resistance training 'is good for seniors'

Posted on 01-Apr-11

Progressive resistance training can help elderly women to improve their strength in their ladies fitness clothing.