A NORTH Lancashire businessman has released an updated edition of his "common sense" weight-loss book after the first edition sold out.

David Hack, who lives near Kirkby Lonsdale, devised The Back to Basics Diet following a health scare after he tipped the scales at 17 stone. The seven-week eating plan favours fruit, vegetables and unprocessed carbohydrates, with small amounts of meat, fish and fats, and is backed by scientific research.

Mr Hack enrolled at Lancaster University to find the solution to his unhealthy weight gain, studying human biology, biochemistry, anatomy and evolution during his biological sciences degree course.

It led to his creating The Back to Basics Diet, which goes against the usual advice to eat less and move more. Within six months he lost two-and-a-half stones and has kept the pounds off. Mr Hack later went on to gain a master's degree.

"The Back to Basics Diet offers a straightforward explanation as to why a largely plant-based diet and gentle daily exercise are the keys to successful weight loss,” said the author, who is in his 50s and runs businesses in Capernwray, near Carnforth.

The diet book is endorsed by TV director Eddy Marshall, the co-founder of Type 2 diabetes reversal programme ‘Dia-Beat-This’. The updated second edition draws on new research from Newcastle University about how Type 2 diabetes can be reversed through weight loss and changes to diet.

- The Back to Basics Diet, 2018 edition, is published by Troubadour Publishing.