Many of us aspire to stay trim because it makes us look good and feel good. But toning up can be easier said than done – especially when it comes to being consistent.

So how long should we actually be putting the work in? Shannon Collins, known as The Gym Nurse to her impressive 150,000 Instagram followers, recently opened up on the matter.

The mum is a familiar face within the online health and fitness community. She regularly shares her personal weight loss challenges – and recently dished out some valuable advice.

In one of her latest social media updates, she addressed a common question – how long should you diet to achieve your "dream body"?

Her response isn't straightforward though. According to Shannon, the timeframe varies from person to person, as individual goals differ. On average, she suggests that it might take about 12 to 16 weeks to see tangible changes, but this doesn't mean it can't happen quicker or slower for some.

The key, she says, is to focus on your physical and mental well-being, along with your ability to maintain a strict regimen. Generally, those with more body fat can sustain a calorie deficit longer without adverse effects on biofeedback.

However, Shannon warns to be vigilant for signs indicating it's time to pause your diet. These include reaching your desired weight, satisfaction with your appearance, hitting a plateau or experiencing negative shifts in energy, mood or sleep quality.

It's pivotal to acknowledge that an unhealthy relationship with food, including an obsession with tracking calories or experiencing physical changes like thinning hair, digestive issues and irregular menstrual cycles, can be extremely detrimental.

Shannon said: "At the end of the day, there isn't a set answer that will apply to every individual. You need to listen to your body and biofeedback.

"I can tell you it's also pointless to do something part-time so, if compliance isn't there anymore, it's time to be done. Dieting isn't supposed to be an ongoing forever lifestyle. Don't sacrifice long-term health for short-term results."

Her post has garnered immense support, racking up hundreds of likes, and prompting a flurry of her followers to chime in with their own experiences.

Echoing Shannon's sentiments, one follower commented: "Yes. I think a lot of people blame so many other things for that stuff, instead of figuring out it's too much dieting that's causing it."

Another shared their own challenging experience, adding: "I did it for one year, lost 12kg (after having a baby). It was so hard, never again."

Furthermore, a third chimed in with supportive words, writing: "The list of signs is so important to recognise, and then make the changes they are telling you to make. This was so helpful."