By Rob Foley- Physiotherapist
As everyone is aware, obesity driven illnesses such as heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally and even more so in the Western world. They are also a huge burden on healthcare provision. The author of “The Obesity Code” Dr. Jason Fung, an endocrinologist born in Toronto, has been very vocal (along with others) about the reasons why obesity has become such an epidemic.
Why did this happen?
- Poor understanding
- Poor research
- Bad advice
- Big Sugar
- Big Pharma
Poor understanding of the bodies physiological adaptation to food and poor research likely backed by Sugar/Pharmaceutical companies led to people being given bad dietary advice for years about weight loss. For example, the food pyramid that everyone followed suggested low fat, and 5-6 daily portions of fruit and grains (including pasta, potatoes, rice and cereal) which are high in sugar and most importantly have a high glycemic index meaning an increased insulin response.
In a nutshell it’s not about calories, it’s all about insulin. When your insulin is high you retain/gain weight, when it’s low, you maintain or lose weight.
How can I keep my insulin low, lose weight, treat my diabetes?
Low carb (sugar) diet
Fasting
High intensity exercise
These are the best things you can do that actually work and cost little to no money depending on your choices. Obesity can contribute greatly to back, hip, knee and foot pain.
Your physiotherapist can help musculoskeletal problems that limit your ability to exercise. As well your physiotherapist can coach you in managing chronic disease by changing beliefs and behaviours to improve your health.
Movement is Medicine!