Obesity! There has been a lot in the press about obesity this week with the publication of NICE guidelines for obesity treatment, information that our girls are the fattest in Europe and publication of research associating sleep in the light with obesity. Even I have had my say, see me on the BBC website
In the London Times today an article shows us that low fat custard has more calories than ordinary custard (thanks, Asda).
Fat is on my mind as well because I am about to train a group of 70 obesity professionals from all over the world.
Oh dear, do I really think that the NHS should be spending billions on 12 weeks of free attendance at slimming clubs? Do I really think that 3% weight loss will save the NHS a lot of money on medical problems associated with obesity? Well I don’t think I do.
The chances of people maintaining a 3% weight loss I think are nil. That’s based on evidence. It’s not going to cure diabetes or liver disease. It isn’t going to make fat people feel better or even look better which is why they try to lose weight in the first place. How did these idiots come up with such a stupid idea.
Ah I think I know why …. lobbying pressure from the slimming club industry! Money! If only I had shares in a commercial weight loss company!
On the other hand, lots of people are fat because they are ignorant about what a healthy diet really is. Do we believe, as the food industry would have us do, that sugar coated frosties are better than no breakfast at all?
Do we think, as they would have us think, that low fat yoghurt full of sugar is better than normal yoghurt (which is a low fat food).
People need to wake up and get real about what is in the food we eat. Its right to correct ignorance which the slimming clubs might do. But I think that many of the so-called army of helpers are also ignorant and improperly trained. Perhaps the Government should invest in properly trained obesity specialists who can do the same job in the community, like practice nurses. These people won’t just give out diet sheets, they will understand motivation and proper nutritional wisdoms, and they will know what kinds of activity really can help – not just “going to the gym”.
FAT CHANCE!