Jaq talks a lot of sense. I think I've done untold metabolic damage to myself after decades of following expert 'advice' regarding dieting. I was diagnosed as now having metabolic syndrome (Syndrome X or insulin resistance) a few years ago ... this led to developing type 2 diabetes and means that I can't just adhere to the 'cal in cals out' mantra if I want to lose weight. My body doesn't metabolise carbs in the way it should - instead, much of the starchy carbs I eat are converted straight to fat around my mid section. So I could lay down fat quite nicely on a low calorie, carb heavy diet (such as slimming world's 'green days').
Instead, I have to eliminate all white, refined starchy carbs from my diet and keep the fat content low if I want to lose any weight. I'm doing this at the moment and have lost a mere 9lb in three weeks despite the strictness of this diet. Apparently, many people have this syndrome and aren't even aware of it. If you seem to gain weight easily, put it on primarily on your stomach and find it difficult to lose again, you may have metabolic syndrome.
if anybody is interested in reading about cholesterol try this link.
As one who had tried hard to keep a reasonably 'normal' body size, I am often dismayed by the number of men who sport huge bellies....beer, probably, but must be eating disorders as well. I don't find them attractive, even as a rampant bi-guy, so what the ladies think of this extra bulkage I shudder to think. Smoking has now become unfashionable: Isn't it time overweight became the same?
I have thought long and hard about making this post and decided I would, NOT for sympathy, but perhaps it may help even 1 person to change. 21 years ago I had a child and from day 1 of the pregnancy I put on masses of weight. When he was born I was like the side of a house still and so began years of yo yo dieting but nothing made any difference long term. Gradually over the years I started being diagnosed with obesity illnesses, high blood pressure, asthma and even had a pulmonary embolism. Then came diabetes, which gradually became insulin dependent. Still I took no notice really of my weight apart from a few half hearted attempts to get it off. Then I developed lympoedema which is painful and debilitating and made it difficult to get around at all particularly walking and hence more weight went on. Then I was asked if I wanted gastric banding which I said yes to, as things were getting desperate by now. Then a few weeks ago I got a blood test reading that says my kidney function is deteriorating rapidly. Am still being tested for that but if it is so then the gastric banding will probably definitely be out and I wont have many options left. As I said I'm not telling this to get sympathy but in the hopes that it makes people stop and think a bit more carefully about obesity before it is too late. Best of luck to all dieters, but remember that fad diets only work short term ... change of life style is the only way.
Thanks for sharing that buckingfabe.
I do hope things improve for you.
Much love,
Nola x
just seen an article in todays' paper saying that beer-bellies are linked to impotence.....must admit that i'm amazed, as an enthusiastic SH gallery voyeur, just how many guys have unhealthy looking stomachs...perhaps thats' why so few are wearing condoms, just firing fat-belly blanks? Come on, fellas, get in shape, get that spunk potent again!!