By Stephen Eddey
Unfortunately, the obesity epidemic worsens the morbidity and mortality rates in Australia[i] In practice, however, governments are reluctant to take responsibility for this multi-factorial problem that is exacerbated by modern lifestyles because it involves standing up to vested interests.[ii]
Staggeringly, in 2004–05, more than half (54%) of all adults, or 7.4 million people aged 18 years and over were either overweight or obese, an increase from 45% (5.4 million adults) in 1995.[iii]. Given these facts, we propose that the current ‘weight loss’ strategies are failing (Australians are collectively putting on 6,000 tons of fat per year[iv]).
The current mistakes
Australians are currently being told to eat less fat and more ‘complex’ carbohydrates. However, the unfortunate truth is that this approach hasn’t worked, and never will. This is because eating grains and other refined carbohydrates are only a recent addition to the human diet. After all, we never hunted down and killed a bowl of wheat!
The Diabetes Dilemma
Obesity is a major risk factor for those with diabetes. Therefore, reducing body fat is a critical matter that needs to be promoted. It is one that can help to reduce complications of certain health issues. Therefore, a carbohydrate controlled fat loss program would be hugely beneficial to improve health in Australia.
In fact, a scientific study put severe diabetics (type two diabetics with high insulin requirements) on the high protein, low carbohydrate diet. Amazingly, those participants who switched their eating patterns were able to lower the amount of insulin intake in just 1.9 days (on average)![v] Despite the incredible results, most mainstream diabetic educators still don’t promote this type of diet. Instead, they still promote the high carbohydrate, low-fat diet.
A Healthy Heart
Another benefit of restricting refined carbohydrates is improvements to cardiovascular health. One such study found that restricting carbohydrates led to significantly decreased triglycerides (-63%), total cholesterol (-22%), VLDL (very toxic) cholesterol (-54%) and LDL cholesterol (-16%). All of these changes improve cardiovascular health.[vi]
Numerous research papers have suggested that restricting refined carbohydrates and increasing veggies, salads, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, meats, eggs and fish is a much healthier option to improve one’s health. Programs, such as the Ultra Lite program has embraced this research and has led numerous individuals to a greater state of wellness and slimmer waistlines.
This article was written by, Stephen Eddey
M.H.Sc., B.H.Sc., Dip.App.Sc., Ass.Dip.App.Sc., Cert.I.V.(Workplace and Training).
Previous Principal Health Schools Australia
Director of Nutritional Medicine A.T.M.S
[i] Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2009;18(1):63-70. Current and future costs of cancer, heart disease and stroke attributable to obesity in Australia – a comparison of two birth cohorts. Aitken RJ, Allman-Farinelli MA, King LA, Bauman AE.
[ii] Public Health. 2009 Mar;123(3):280-2. Who will take responsibility for obesity in Australia? Stanton R.
[iii] 4102.0 – Australian Social Trends, 2007
Previous ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 07/08/2007
[iv] Clifton P. Health Sciences and Nutrition. CSIRO Meat and Livestock Australia. Comments on the CSIRO High Protein Study 29 January 2003
[v] Fitz JD, Sperling EM, Fein HG. Diabetes Care. 1983 Jul-Aug;6(4):328-33. A hypocaloric high-protein diet as primary therapy for adults with obesity-related diabetes: effective long-term use in a community hospital.
[vi] Pieke B, von Eckardstein A, Gulbahce E, Chirazi A, Schulte H, Assmann G, Wahrburg U. Treatment of hypertriglyceridemia by two diets rich either in unsaturated fatty acids or in carbohydrates: effects on lipoprotein subclasses, lipolytic enzymes, lipid transfer proteins, insulin and leptin. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2000 Oct; 24(10): 1286-96.