Gastric Bands – Quick Fix, Miracle Cure?

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Kirsty Payne

Vanessa Feltz and Fern Britton are now arguably more famous for their Gastric Bands than they are anything else but is it really the miracle cure for obesity that it's made out to be?

The Gastic Band is a surgical procedure where a silicone band is fitted around the stomach which is then gradually tightened to make the stomach smaller and therefore reduce the amount of food the patient can eat.  A Gastric Band is reversible unlike a Gastric Bypass which you are stuck with once you've had the surgery.

It was introduced in the 90's and 1000's of people have had them fitted to help them lose weight but also to help them to manage life-threatening conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

However, despite the popularity of weight loss surgery by the public, GP's and in the media, there is worrying evidence coming to light that this kind of surgery is failing, sometimes with dire consequences.

It seems to be the Gastric Band operations that are causing the most problems.  A significant number of  these operations simply don't work. According to research by the University of California, about 20% of patients regain the weight a few years after surgery. This is mainly due to the "stretching" of the shrunken stomach.

A study done by Dutch doctors found the whole idea of fitting Gastric Bands questionable due to the apparent low success rate that they thought it just isn't worth doing.

A third of patients need to have the operation re-done after five years, while half needed this at ten years due to complications.  A third of patients don't lose the expected amount of weight after five years and, after ten years, two thirds were back to their original size.

Other problems are coming to the fore including psychological issues, including suicide, kidney stones, anaemia, bone thinning and fractures.

The cost to the NHS of bariatric surgery is massive but the NHS justifies it by saying that it will cost them less in the long run if they don't have to spend money treating conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.  Guidelines say that surgery should be a last resort but in 2009 some 4,300 operations were carried out which was a 55% rise on the previous year.  There were also 5,000 private operations carried out in the same year.

In 2010, Clare White, 37, died following Gastric Band surgery.  She weighed 19 stones when she had the surgery believing that it would help her with her insulin dependent diabetes.  She was keen to have the operation after trying all other methods of weight loss.  She had 3 children.

The surgeon who carried out the operation said that he thought the band had irritated Clare's stomach which caused an infection which in turn caused a blood clot on her lung.  She was told that the surgery carried a 1 in 2,000 risk of death.  She is not the only one to have died following bariatric surgery.  An absolute tragedy no doubt about it but one has to wonder if these operations are worth both the risk and the failure rate.

It is also not surprising that patients are suffering from ill health following Gastric Band operations.  Because you have such a restricted stomach, it makes sense that absorbing all the right vitamins and minerals is almost impossible which can lead to brittle bones and anaemia.

By far, the most disturbing result of a Gastric Band is that of a psychological nature.  Despite NICE guidelines appearing to be quite strict, some aspects are being ignored such as a patients mental health at the time of agreeing to surgery.  There is a very big difference between being of sound enough mind to make the decision to have surgery but it's quite another as to whether a patient has underlying psychological issues as to why they have become obese in the first place.  The patient also has to agree to stick to the "rules" of the Gastric Band such as only eating an egg sized amount of food, 3 times a day and chew each morsel relentlessly.  If the patient has failed at every other diet regime, why is it presumed they will be able to stick to this one?!  When this is the case, it's clear that these issues need addressing first or the patient is destined to fail and so is the NHS by not providing the much needed psychological support and therapy.  When an obese patient opts to have a Gastric Band fitted but the underlying issues have not been address then he or she will inevitably find ways around not being able to eat a full meal.  For example, chocolate, ice cream and alcohol slip through the band quite nicely but are not conducive to weight loss!  Also, if the patient is addicted to food and then becomes unable to feed that addiction, the will simply turn to another - gambling or shopping for example - anything to make the suffering ease.

Some people seem to have got on quite nicely with the band but I do think that there needs to be a lot more long term study done into the end result before we rely on this kind of surgical intervention.  If we could find a way of making peace with who we are, learn some techniques to aid gentle weight loss, then we would not have to turn to such drastic measures which for some, end with the worst possible outcome.

James.

Health Foods – Good For You or a Rip Off?

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Kirsty Payne

You've seen the headline grabbers, you've seen the advertisements in the supermarkets - "low-fat," low-sugar," high fibre," "natural," "no added sugar," etc.  Are they as beneficial to you as they lead us to believe, or are they simply a drain on the purse strings? 

When looking at these products, it's important to read the actual ingredient list rather than just the claims on the front of the packet or jar.  An interesting example would be that of  humble peanut butter.  The oil in the peanut is the most nutritious bit, but when you buy low fat peanut butter, you are buying the same number of calories but with half the fat, which is usually substituted with sugar.  Eating nuts in their entirity is good for us.  In fact some studies show that people who eat nuts tend to have lower body weight and nut consumption is also associated with a reduction in heart disease.

With regard to high energy drinks, promoted as being able to give you long lasting energy, this is simply nonsense.  They will give a quick burst of energy and then you will hit the deck, so to speak.  The key to maintaining energy is to keep blood sugar stable with a good mix of proteins and carbs, not a massive hit of sugar in one go!  These drinks are of no use to anyone nutritionally and are loaded with calories.   In fact in some areas of the country, the police are so concerned with the sale of these drinks to kids, usually of a Friday night, that they want them regulated in much the same way as alcohol.  Not surprisingly the police report that they cause hyperactivity in these youths which then leads to anti-social behaviour.  The marketing of these products has been very clever in that the kids seem to view them as "super cool" which doesn't help matters but does show the power of marketing.  Shame it couldn't be put to better use.

Another worrying trend is the consumption of vitamin enhanced drinks or water.  If one has a varied diet one wouldn't need to buy these over priced drinks.   In fact they really could be bad for us as recent studies have shown that there is an association between certain commonly used vitamin and mineral supplements and increased death rates!

Instead, drink water!  Out of the tap, filter it, buy it in a bottle if you prefer, just drink it!  Eat fruit, veg, whole grains and nuts.

Meal replacement bars such as Slimfast are deemed "healthy" in the most part by the unsuspecting public, again due to the way they have been marketed.   Truth is, you'd be almost better off eating a chocolate bar!  These meal replacement bars are a calorific minefield mainly made up of sugar with a bit of protein or fibre and if you're lucky, a few vitamins thrown in for good measure!  AVOID!  Eat a bit of chicken and some veg and you'll do yourself a whole lot of good!

People get really confused between "wholegrain" and "multi-grain" thinking they are one and the same.  This is not necessarily so.  People who eat whole grains tend to have lower rates of diabetes, heart disease and cancers and are less likely to be overweight compared to those who eat refined grains.

Make sure you select a whole grain such as whole wheat, whole oats or brown rice.  It is also best to eat this as the only grain on the list of ingredients.   Consider eating an egg for breakfast with a good quality sausage, tomatoes and a slice of rye bread.  This would be far better for your health than the vast array of refined starch and sugary breakfast cereals we are expected to buy in the supermarkets.

Let's have a look at the Go Ahead brand of biscuits.  Their web site says their products are "good" for us and do not contain any artificial colours or additives.  However, they do contain a large amount of artificial sweeteners.  We really would be better off eating a simple digestive or rich tea biscuit once in a while if we fancy it!  One could even stretch to a fig roll every now and then!

The list is endless.  Be careful of baked or "low-fat" crisps.  The are nutritionally poor, full of calories and made from refined grain or starch.  Instead a Ryvita would be a better choice for a snack that can easily be jazzed up with sweet or savoury toppings.

Bottom line is that all of these products are a real money spinner.  Have you noticed the price?!  Stick to the basics and you won't go far wrong and your body will thank you for it - and your wallet might too!

Helen West, a clinical dietician who works here with me at the Weightmatters practice can help with any questions or help you may require with nutrition. 

James.

 

 

Vitamin D – More Than Just Sunshine!

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Kirsty Payne

Vitamin D has had it's fair share of the headlines just recently.

Up to half of all adults in this country have a Vitamin D deficiency.  If you are deficient in this vitamin, then you are perhaps asking for Osteoporosis, high blood pressure and even a shortened life span.  It seems to be increasingly important that we get enough vitamin D but also, the right source.

Vitamin D is not strictly speaking a vitamin.  Vitamins are micro nutrients the body uses in various processes.  Vitamin D is a prohormone, a substance that the body converts into a hormone.  The most important thing to remember about Vitamin D is that the main source is sunlight as opposed to food.

It seems odd that so many of us are struggling with a Vitamin D deficiency seeing as all we need to do in order to get enough is expose our face and hands to the sun for 15 minutes per day, maybe more if you live in the North.  Perhaps in recent years the general obsessions with skin cancer and the use of sun cream hasn't helped the Vitamin D cause.  Also, we just don't go outside our own front doors as much as we used to of in favour of the Playstation and the computer!  We are all at risk from the multitude of ailments that appear to come from having a Vitamin D deficiency.  The truth of the matter is that 15 minutes spent in the sun each day is really not that difficult and the rewards will be immense.

For sure, Vitamin D is essential for good bone health, it helps bones absorb calcium.  It is also believed to fight off cancer, it keeps blood pressure low, and reduces inflammation.  Diseases such as MS and Diabetes have also been implicated in Vitamin D deficiency.  Research is also being done on the link with a lack of Vitamin D and depression, back pain, heart attacks and Fibromyalgia.

Recently, there has been some very interesting research carried out that says that taking Vitamin D may assist in fat loss as well as reduce the risk of chronic disease, so the benefits to this vitamin are far reaching!

The resent study looked at overweight and obese Iranian women and treated them with 1000 iu of Vitamin D for a period of 12 weeks.  Several different parameters were measured including:

HDL - cholesterol levels - higher HDL levels are associated with reduced risk of heart disease.

Apolipoprotein A - 1 (ApoA-1) levels - ApoA1 is a component of HDL - cholesterol and is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.

LDL - cholesterol.  Apolopoprotein B100 (ApoB-100) ratio - this ratio is a marker for the size and density of LDL - cholesterol - cholesterol particles.  Lower ratios correspond with larger, less dense LDL - cholesterol, which appear to be harmless in comparison to so called  "small, dense" LDL - cholesterol.

Fat Mass.

One group took a placebo.  Those taking the vitamin saw:

Significant increase in HDL levels.

Significant increase in ApoA-1 levels.

Significant decrease in LDL - cholesterol: ApoB - 100 ratio.

The Vitamin D group not only seemed to show a reduced risk of cardio vascular disease, but they saw a reduction in their fat mass of 2.7kg on average.  The placebo group lost less than 0.5 kg.

So, it looks like it's really important to our overall health to keep our Vitamin D levels up.  One can also benefit from eating certain foods such as mackerel, sardines, tuna, beef liver and eggs which also contain varying amounts of Vitamin D but the most effective source is sunlight.  You can also take a supplement, but make sure it is of good quality.  As for doses, that's a little tricky unless you test the blood to know exactly where you are with it.  Overdose is rare but not impossible with very unpleasant side effects.  If in doubt, check with your GP or dietician.

Helen West, who works with me at Weightmatters, and is a clinical dietician, would also be able to help with this or any further questions you may have.

Enjoy the great outdoors and the sunshine!

James.

 

 

 

Do The Public Want Healthy Restaurant Eating?

Posted on February 23, 2012 by Kirsty Payne

There seems to be a correlation between the rise in obesity and the amount of time and money we spend eating out.  We just love it!

Recent studies are beginning to show that people are starting to want healthier options when they eat out.  Earlier this year the calorie content of our restaurant and take out food appeared on the menu for the first time.  It is very clear now for everyone to see which are the best and worst options for our health, calorie intake and waistlines!

A report by the US Department of Agriculture showed that the "food away from home" sector comprised of 16% of all eating occasions, and 19% of all calorie intake in 1977-1978.  By 1995 these proportions had risen to 27% and 34% respectively.  Also the proportion of the US $ that is spent on "away from home" food has gone up from 40% in 1981 to 47% in 2001.

Unsurprisingly this trend can be seen in the UK.  Figures from the Office For National Statistics (ONS) show household spending on eating  out has overtaken spending on meals at home.  In 2004, Uk households spent £85.8 billion on fresh and processed food and drinks, 53.4% more than they did in 1992.  But over the same period, spending on food and drink consumed outside the home grew by 102.2% to £87.5 billion.

This trend seems to be here to stay despite the economic downturn.  3000 UK consumers were recently questioned about their spending habits  and they reported that they are intending to increase, by a slight amount (1.4%) the number of times they go out to eat over the next 6 months.  As far as the economy is concerned, this seems to be good news but is it good news for our well-being?  When we eat out we tend to see it as a treat or special occasion even if we're doing it more often than we were.  When we eat out we often make poor choices in our food that we consume.  For example, if we eat cheese at home it is likely to be unprocessed whereas the cheese when eaten out is likely to be processed and therefore not as nutritionally good for us.

Every year since 2007, the non profit health advocacy Centre for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) in the US has identified the most fattening restaurant meals and given them "Xtreme Eating Awards".  

CSPI nutrition director Bonnie Liebman said "it's as if the restaurants were targeting the remaining one out of three Americans who are still normal weight in order to boost their risk of obesity, diabetes, heart attacks and cancer".

Recently in the British press there have been reports of some real gut- busting dishes including this gut-busting meal from Mario's in Bolton which includes 10 sausages, 10 eggs, 10 bacon, 5 black puddings, and piles of beans, mushrooms and tomatoes!  My belly aches just thinking about it!

Seeing as we're not supposed to eat more than 2000 calories a day, is anyone still alive out there?!

Although our love for junk food is set to continue there are other options out there.  A few years ago McDonald's were becoming extremely unpopular and their profits were slumping.  So they introduced carrot sticks and fruit bags for the kids meals and salads.  Since then we have fallen back in love with the golden arches.

Basically, the jury is still out regarding whether or not putting the calories on menus is beneficial.  In fact in some sectors of the fast food industry, people's intake has actually been shown to go up following the introduction of calorie content on the menu.

Of course people with eating disorders may well find all of this a real struggle.  When confronted with a vast menu and also the calorie content could seem very overwhelming.  It could also make one even more obsessed with the calorific content of food.  Not a good situation to be in.

Here are some tips as to how we can eat healthily when we eat out. 

1.  Before you go, have a look on the internet at the menus - most menus are on line these days.  Look to see if you can spot a healthy option before you go.  That will take some of the stressful decision making out of it.

2.  Eat something small, like a piece of fruit or drink a glass of water with a slice of lemon in it about half an hour before hand so you are not ravenous when you get there.  Never a good combinations to be really hungry when you turn up to a restaurant or when you are going round the supermarket!

3.  If you are not the best at controlling portions, avoid buffet "all you can eat" type scenarios!

4.  You could have a starter as a main course.  This is a great way to cut the cost as well as the portion size.

5.  Go for dark green leaf salads as the are the most nutritious.  Try and think about dressings, it's not to say you can't have any, but be mindful of the calorie content as it can be very high.

6.  Stick to stock based sauces if possible rather than thick, flour based sauces.

7.  Avoid the chips!  Come on, you know it's right!  Go for a baked potato and eat the skin!  Or, a side salad or vegetables.

8.  Ask them to leave out the mayonnaise in your sandwich.  Ask to substitute with extra tomatoes, onions or lettuce.

9.  Try and eat less at another meal during the day but DON'T skip a meal.  This will lead to overeating and will slow your metabolism.

10.  Keep a close eye on your alcohol intake!

11.  Avoid croissants!  Choose hard rolls, plain bread sticks and wholemeal bread.

12.  Try and avoid battered, deep fried and breaded dishes.  Go for steamed and grilled options.

13.  Choose soups that are clear or broth based without being made of cream or milk.

14.  Have extra veg or tuna toppings on your pizza rather than cheese or meat.

Remember, when you eat out you can ask for ingredients to be changed to suit your needs. After all, you are the paying customer and above all, enjoy your meal!

James.

 

 

Why Does Bad Food Taste So Darn Good After Midnight ?!

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Kirsty Payne

So, you've been really good all day but you've got the munchies.  There you are stood in front of the open fridge and it's a smidgen past midnight.  What are you going to do?  There's some particularly fresh looking salad in there along with some hummus, there's even a few carrots and a stir fry with a nice bit of protein for good measure.  Sounds good, but why is it that at one stroke past midnight we go from good to downright daft with our munchie choices?  Past midnight, all of a sudden, a huge bag of crisps, some biscuits and perhaps some ice cream seem like a much better option.  What's more, they always taste so much better after midnight!  Science can answer some of these questions but usually its down to psychology.

So you've used up all your willpower for the day by being "good".  Willpower is not everlasting, and you've been exercising it well all day by saying no to the McDonald's breakfast, no to the doughnuts at 11.00am and no to the boss's offer to buy you a pint at lunchtime.  Exhausting!  By the time you get to midnight you've had enough of trying and think well, I've been good all day so what the heck!

Of course, it's midnight so it's dark.  You are under the cover of darkness which can give a sense of your behaviour somehow doesn't seem as bad as if it were during the day.  After all you can always hoover the crumbs up in the morning - no-one will even notice.

If while you are being "good" you have a plan of action as to what you will eat during the day, it's unlikely you have had the forethought for a spell of midnight consumption!  Make sure that if you operate like this with a plan and are prone to after dark eating then make sure you've planned some  healthy snacks in the fridge and perhaps get rid of the rubbish.

It may seem a little odd but loneliness is a major problem is society in general and when it comes to the midnight munchies it's definitely a factor.  It doesn't really matter if you're single or been married for donkey's years, chances are if you find yourself in front of the fridge in the wee small hours, it's likely that no-one else is there with you, not awake anyway.  All the usual distractions of the day just aren't there and so, if we're prone to emotional eating, this may make us vulnerable to night time indulgences.

What causes the 2am run to the kebab shop?  Alcohol!  Almost always late night eating is down to drinking.  Alcohol is dehydrating so you can feel thirsty which is often mistaken for hunger.  In your intoxicated state you are not very likely to make good decisions as to what your need to eat.  It's much easier at this point to grab a take away or even have another drink than eat sensibly!  Once in a while is fine but lets face it, do it often and you will be storing up a whole load of fat and trouble for yourself.

James.

Would You Eat Poison?

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Kirsty Payne

Aspartame (Nutra-Sweet) is responsible of 75% of the adverse food reaction to additives reported to the FDA.  It was discovered back in 1965 by accident when James Schlatter, a chemist, whilst testing and anti-ulcer drug.

It was approved for dry goods use in 1981 and fizzy drinks in 1983.  However, it was first approved back in 1974 but objectives were filed by scientists and it's release was held back.

75% of adverse reactions to food additives reported tot he FDA came from Aspartame.  The reactions vary greatly but some are very serious including seizures and even death.  Some of the 90 different reported symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, numbness, muscle spasms, weight gain (!?) rashes, depression, fatigue, irritability and anxiety.

Brain Tumours, MS, Epilespsy, CFS, Parkinsons Disease, Lymphoma and Fibromyalgia can all be triggered or worsened according to the researchers studying the adverse effects of Aspartame.  We need to take heed as Aspartame is in so many everyday food stuffs that we buy from our supermarkets.

Aspartame - Aspartice Acid, Phenylalanine and methanol are otherwise categorised as a "chemical Poison!" 

Aspartic Acid makes up 40% of Aspartame and appears to cause serious chronic neurological disorders and a load of other acute symptoms.

Aspartate and Glutamate act as neurotransmitters in the brain.  Too much of it in the brain kills off certain neurons by allowing a deluge of too much calcium into the cells.  Aspartate and Glutamate are often known as "Excitotoxins" ie they excite or stimulate the neural cells to death.

Slowly but surely too much glutamate and aspartate begin to destroy neurons.  75% of neural cells in a certain part of the brain are killed before symptoms are noticed.

A few of the myriad of conditions shown to be linked to long term exposure to the excitatory amino acid damage  include MS, ALS, Parkinson's Disease, Dementia, Epilepsy, Hormonal issues and Memory Loss amongst others.  Quite a scary list!

The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) recently stated that "It is prudent to avoid the use of dietary supplements of L-glutamic acid by pregnant women, infants, and children. The existence of evidence of potential endocrine responses, i.e., elevated cortisol and prolactin, and differential responses between males and females, would also suggest a neuroendocrine link and that supplemental L-glutamic acid should be avoided by women of childbearing age and individuals with affective disorders."

Aspartic acid from aspartame has the same deleterious effects on the body as glutamic acid.

 Phenylananine makes up 50% of Aspartame.  This will muck up the Seratonin in your brain leading to emotional problems and depression.

10% of Aspartate is made up of Methanol (or alcohol/poison to you and I!). 

Then you have Diketopoperazine (DKP) which is a by product of Aspartame metabolism.  DKP has been implicated in the occurrence of brain tumours.

John Cook wrote an article which was published in The Wednesday Journal entitled "An Apsartame Nightmare".  He documented his journey when he began to drink 6-8 diet drinks per day.  The results were terrifying!  He suffered memory loss and frequent headaches.  Then he started to crave even more of the diet drinks and then he developed violent rages which were not a part of his personality prior to the experiment!  When he stopped consuming Aspartame (a welcome relief no doubt) his symptoms got much better so there's hope for us all!

With the fact that excessive, long term use of Aspartame cause a drop in Seratonin, one has to wonder about the massive upsurge in the prescribing of SSRI's such as Prozac and Seroxat.  Perhaps doctor's would better serve their patients by giving them advice to knock their consumption of Aspartame on the head and see if they start the feel better without the use of SSRI's?

I wonder which makes more money, the sweetener or the Prozac?  What a heady cocktail!

All artificial sweeteners pose a potential threat that will become all to clear as time goes on. However, as individual consumers we do have the power to alter our buying habits, it just takes a little time and effort but I think you will agree that it would be well worth it to not have to suffer at the hands of Aspartame!

 

Economic Crisis Hits The Health Of Our Youth The Most

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Kirsty Payne

Patient.co.uk have published a poll which reports that while 36% of people surveyed feel stressed because of the economic downturn, this rose to 43% in the 18-24 age bracket.

24% of under 25's say they are drinking more since the downturn compared to just 14% of all adults.

57% have lost or gained weight sine the financial crisis, 37% having put on weight which was put down to comfort eating, 20% have lost weight due to worry.

Half of 18-24's say they have become socially lonely and isolated as they can't afford to go out compared to 34% of the general population.

Sleeplessness is causing problems for 20% of adults and 19% of young people.

Women appear to bear the brunt of the economic downturn with 42% reporting feeling the strain compared with 31% of men.

1 in 10 people reported that working longer hours means they feel unable to take the time to eat healthily.

This poll paints a very bleak picture.  Our youth really do appear to be up against more than ever before in our society.  They are struggling with the economic downturn, unemployment at an all time high, debt, university fees and having to live with their parents until the age of 30!  Enough to turn anyone to drink!

Stress is bad for our health, no doubt about it.  The problem is that young people are far less likely to seek help when they feel stressed or depress than other groups.  It's OK to ask for help!  In fact, it's crucial.  Patient.co.uk report that searches for depression have doubled in the last 2 years.  Requests  for stress busting tips have also soared since 2010.

Whilst it's great that the young people are making tentative steps to get help, it does feel like a ticking time bomb waiting to go off.

The obese in this country have had a really hard time of it in the press particularly groups from "lower socio-economic groups".  It would appear that there is a growing link between overeating and lack of cash.  Often people from this group will say that they don't have anything to look forward to, holidays, new material objects etc and that their only source of comfort is in relatively cheap alcohol and/or food.  The patient.co.uk poll suggests that even if we have a job but things aren't going well financially, we are very likely to turn to food and alcohol to get us through.

Deborah Fields, one of Weight Matters therapists, has a particular interest in alcohol related issues.  She also gives a discounted rate in certain situations.  If you would like to discuss this further, please do get in touch.

James. 

Skinny Jeans, Men and Eating Disorders

Posted on February 5, 2012 by Kirsty Payne

Men are not only wrestling with Eating Disorders but also the rise in the wretched skinny jean fashion!

The fashion industry is long aimed at women alone.  Increasingly we see unrealistic, unobtainable male models who are of an unhealthy size.

It is now estimated that at least 10% of anorexics, bulimic s and binge eaters are male.  Many believe that the recent shift in the fashion industry and media using very skinny male models are to blame for this.  For some reason comedian Russell Brand's skinny physique has become somewhat of a sensation which is great for him and his skinny jeans but not so great for the rest of mankind!

Eating Disorders affect anyone and everyone.   However, most people make the mistake that sufferers tend to be white, middle class and teenage.  

Men are known to visit the doctor far less than women, particularly young men, so this could be the tip of the iceberg where Eating Disorders and body image problems where men are concerned.

Men are also coming under increasing pressure to look like the cover of "Men's Health" magazine - a problem women have felt similar pressure for many years.  This presents it's own gender specific problems such as the perfect 6 pac.  Manorexia and Bigorexia are terms most are not familiar with but they relate to when men become dangerously muscle bound in the pursuit of perfection.  Sound familiar ladies?!

Can you imagine what it must be like to be suffering from an Eating Disorder when you are male when the rest of society believes it to be a female only affliction?  Chances are that GP's and health professionals, even mental health professionals, will fail to recognise your symptoms.  However, these professionals will say that early diagnosis and treatment is paramount!  Also, men have the added problem that admitting to having such a problem simply isn't macho.  There's nothing wimpy about an eating disorder!

Thankfully there are some folks over at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundations Trust and  Canterbury Christchurch University say “In talking to men suffering eating and body image problems, they told me they felt male eating disorders were an invisible issue and that eating disorders were thought to only affect women. They felt very alone with their eating disorders and worried about how people would react if they found out. The men we spoke to had found it difficult to admit to themselves and others that their eating behaviours were problematic and that they needed some support. This meant that many of the men waited a considerable amount of time before seeking help.”  They are keen to do something to make a difference to the lives of these individuals.

As far as where these issues can start, childhood bullying is a very common in the start of an Eating Disorder.  Many men who were overweight as kids were teased at school.  70% of young people start a diet at some stage.  It's therefore not surprising that some of these end up with and Eating Disorder.

A group of men in Brighton with Eating Disorders have started a petition to try and get a better understanding from health professionals.  If you would like to sign up please follow this link 100,000 signatures on an e-petition 

Also, if any of the issues raised has moved you into action, please check out my upcoming workshop/seminar  on body image - details on front page of the website.  You will be most welcome to come along and will be amongst many who suffer the same things!

James.

 

Sugar Is Toxic?!

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Kirsty Payne

Scientists this week have said that sugar is as toxic as cigarettes and alcohol and should be regulated thus. 

They says that sugary foods are causing illnesses such as obesity, heart disease, cancer and liver problems.

Given that these scientists say that sugar contributes to 35 million deaths per year worldwide, should it be controlled through legislations and taxation?

Incredibly, the authors of this article report that obesity is now a bigger problem across the world than malnourishment!  Truly remarkable!

Interestingly they state that not only does sugar make you fat but it also changes metabolism, raises blood pressure, mucks about with hormone levels and harms the liver.  Unpleasant stuff!

The scientists say that the harm done by sugar is similar to the damage done by alcohol which is of course distilled sugar so really we shouldn't be that surprised.

When reading the comments made by Robert Lustig, a childhood obesity expert from California University, one could be forgiven for thinking that he is talking about a class A drug!  He talks about sugar as being widely available, toxic, abused and harmful to society. See the link?!

Their enthusiasm for taxation is quite remarkable.  They want to see the price of fizzy drinks double, restricting their sale to over 17's or 18's and tightening regulations on school vending machines (which incidentally was shown this week to have nothing to do with obesity rates in the UK) - No Evidence Of A Link Between Junk Food And Weight Gain In Schools 

Dr Laura Schmidt also of the California University wants to see the cost and availability of good food easier to obtain.  Great!

The report also points out that sugar consumption has tripled in the last 50 years.  What will happen if this trend continues?

Whilst reading the article today, I got the distinct feeling that we are being beaten around the head yet again for the choices we make where our diets are concerned.  However, the issue is not just about that, the problem is multi-faceted.  We need to take into consideration the responsibility that the food companies have, along with supermarkets and then advertising.  Do we really need to be reminded that we can buy Coca Cola (and other makes)  in the local supermarket and that it tastes good?!

Another issue that needs addressing is the labelling of food.  They are confusing and are very good at hiding the truth.  It is simply outrageous that ready meals, fast food and even bread contain so much salt and sugar.  They want us to become addicted to these products and it looks as though they have their wish! 

The article finishes by asking that if we can ban smoking in public places due to health concerns and put air bags in cars for safety, why can we not make changes in the food industry regarding sugar?  Others have described the report as "puritanical" and that we all just have to take responsibility for our own health.  True, but there's no harm in trying to get the food industry to take equal responsibility for the amount of sugar they pile into their everyday foodstuffs such as bread!  Next time you buy a loaf, check out the sugar content!  You might be surprised if a little shocked!  

 

“If You Could Take Away Hunger, Food Is Not Attractive”

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Kirsty Payne

"If you could take away hunger, food is not attractive".  Professor Stephen Bloom from Imperial College, London.

A new drug for weight loss is being developed by the afore-mentioned professor.

The drug works by switching off the appetite by mimicking the effect of the hormone that is naturally released when the stomach is full.

The hormone, Oxyntomodulin, is also found in those who have had their stomachs made small by operations such as Gastric Bypass.

The professor says that he wanted to develop something that will produce weight loss without the need for surgery.

The drug is still in the early stages of development and initially will be given to diabetics but in time could be available over the counter according the The Daily Mail.

The professor is reported to have said, "If you take away hunger, food is not attractive".  Is the professor saying that people who overeat do so because they do not have enough of the said hormone to tell them they are full or do they overeat regardless of this particular hormone's  level?  I think the answer is clear!  Given the number of overweight/obese in this country, surely they cannot all be suffering from a lack of the ability to feel full.

People overeat for a vast wealth of reasons, even when they are obviously full and obesity is the result.

One has to be cautious when another "wonder" diet pill hits the headlines.  Questions need to be asked such as will it cause more health issues than it sets out to solve?  What are the long term effects?

Indeed more and more people are turning to therapy following disastrous bariatric  surgery.  If you haven't got your emotions and mental health sussed, even bariatric surgery will fail you in the end.

Non surgical solutions to the obesity epidemic are to be welcomed but by far and away the best course of action is to look deep inside yourself to find out the root cause of your weight issues and find a way to resolve it if at all possible.

James.