Neil Holt says, "Obesity is caused by the con...

2009-11-09T10:36:55.098+10:00

Neil Holt says, "Obesity is caused by the consumption of too much of everything: food, snacks, sugary drinks and alcohol. Reduced activity levels play a role, but overconsumption is the real culprit".

That's great Neil...you've really got a handle on things - we gat fat because we eat 'too much'.

Only problem is, Neil, we're eating 'too much' across the population to a degree not seen before in known history. Now, unless you want to claim that we've all suddenly become wanton gluttons, or spontaneously lost the capacity to exert will power, you have to provide a powerful explanation to account for the reasons for this society-wide over consumption.

Simply repeating that obesity is caused by eating 'too much' has no explanatory or practical efficacy, Neil.

The real question is, why are we eating too much? David Gillespie argues (with solid evidentiary support) that it is the over-consumption of fructose (and the attendant lack of appetite suppression) that is responsible. Others (e.g. Gary Taubes et. al.) have argued persuasively that it is the over consumption of dietary carbohydrate (especially sugars) that up-regulate fat storage and stimulate appetite.

These are 'explanations', Neil. They express clear hypotheses with actionable conclusions.

"We're fat because we eat too much" is merely a restatement of the first law of thermodynamics, and as such, is good for sweet Fanny Adams.

A Bit of Balance Please by Neil Holt Managing Dir...

2009-11-06T17:03:57.720+10:00

A Bit of Balance Please

by Neil Holt Managing Director Wesley Weight Management Clinic
www.wesweight.com.au

The obesity epidemic of the last 30 years is not due to a single cause and there is no magic solution: it is misleading to say otherwise. Obesity is caused by the consumption of too much of everything: food, snacks, sugary drinks and alcohol. Reduced activity levels play a role, but overconsumption is the real culprit. Many overweight adults consume in excess of 3000 calories per day when weight maintenance requires 1700 - 2200 calories.

Wesley Weight Management Clinic is not a conspiracy, it is well balanced clinical program designed to help people achieve and maintain a healthy weight. We are staffed by Doctors, Dietitians, Exercise Physiologists and Psychologists ensuring people lose weight and learn the skills to maintain a healthy weight. Our services are evidence based, ethical and high quality and we publish our results.

Meal Replacements - Optifast 800

Meal replacements, when used under supervision, are very beneficial at the start of weight loss. We have used Optifast 800 safely for 10 years. Moving clients safely from 3000 calories per day to 800 - 1000 calories per day places then in a negative energy state and they lose weight. In combination with moderate exercise, women can lose up to a 1kg per week and men up to 2 kg per week.

Optifast 800 contains milk protein (14gm), fat (3gm), milk sugars (lactose 8-12gm), fructose (8-10gm), vitamins and minerals. Each sachet has 160 calories, the same energy content as 2 slices of bread. Our clients safely consume 5 sachets per day or 800 calories which provides them with all their essential daily vitamins and minerals and controls their hunger. Importantly they are losing weight.

Fructose

Fructose is present in Optifast 800, but there is no more than in 1 apple. 5 sachets of Optifast 800 have no more than 50gms of fructose, a quarter of the levels of people consuming 3000 calories per day including 2 cans of soft drink.

It is wrong to say that the fructose in Optifast 800 is dangerous. In fact 50gms of fructose a day is beneficial, particularly to diabetics. It is only a danger to your health at artificially high levels of consumption, as seen in some published trials conducted in a similar way to toxicological studies. No food would be considered safe under these conditions - even pure water triggers adverse health at high repeat dose levels.

Our results using Optifast 800

We have recorded the weight loss results of more than 6000 clients at their weekly visits. We have the largest database on weight loss in Australia and we publish our results on our website and in credible health journals and forums. The main reason for recording weekly progress is to ensure safe and sustainable weight loss. All clients who use Optifast 800 are medically counseled by a Doctor and their blood is tested prior to commencing Optifast 800. Those who are not suited to meal replacements are prescribed a meal plan with a set calorie level.

Optifast 800 used in our clinic is safe, effective and well tolerated by clients. All clients transition off Optifast 800 back to normal healthy meal plans. They are taught healthy food choices, correct portion size and good exercise - habits that will last them a lifetime.

Our results show that our clients lose weight, lose fat, reduce their waist lines, maintain lean tissue (muscle), lower their blood pressure, lower their total cholesterol, lower their LDL (bad cholesterol) lower their blood triglycerides, lower their blood glucose and lower their cardiovascular risk (risk of heart attack) by up to 47%.

In conclusion, we unashamedly stand by our clinic, our staff, our clients and our results. David Gillespie assertions in relation to our clinic, our stakeholders, our staff and our clients are factually incorrect and his conclusions wrong.

Like good health, it’s all about balance.

Full version: http://www.wesweight.com.au/default.asp?PageID=129

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Neil Holt says, "Obesity is caused by the con...

A Bit of Balance Please by Neil Holt Managing Dir...