Disease Search

Welcome to the Virtual Medical Centre (VMC). The VMC team spends a lot of time researching the diseases presented here and making sure that the information we provide has come from reputable peer-reviewed sources.

The quality of the content you see here is monitored by our editorial advisory board which consists of medical professionals. This means that you can be confident that whatever you read here is comprehensive, supported by real evidence and presented for your wellbeing.

The Virtual Medical Centre doesn?t aim to replace your doctor, its purpose is to provide supplementary information to demystify your health and help you to make educated decisions. We hope you find the information here useful and we wish you good health.

For more information about Virtual Medical Centre, see About Us.

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Energy Expenditure Calculator

Reference
Panel on Macronutrients & Standing Committee for the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes. Energy. Chapter 5. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein and Amino Acids (Macronutrients), National Academy of Sciences. 2005. [cited 2009, June 6], Available from http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10490.html

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The formula for calculating how many Calories you burn while exercising is:
Calories = 0.0175 * weight (kg) * MET * duration (minutes)

For example:
A man who weighs 85 kilograms and swam for 30 minutes would burn:
Calories = 0.0175 * 85 * 7 * 30
Calories = 0.0175 * 85 * 210
Calories = 0.0175 * 17850
Calories = 312.375

Dancing Ballroom (fast) or squareJogging (10-min 1 mile : 1.6 kilometres)

This information will be collected for educational purposes, however it will remain anonymous.

For more information on fitness and exercise, including stretches, types of exercise, exercise recovery and exercise with health conditions, as well as some useful videos, see Fitness and Exercise.  

For more information on nutrition, including information on types and composition of food, nutrition and people, conditions related to nutrition, and diets and recipes, as well as some useful videos and tools, see Nutrition.   

Created: 1/7/2009


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Food: Basics of What We Need to Eat

Something that we all do every day is eat. But eating can get complicated – there is a lot of variety and choice, and a lot of contradictory advice on what's best for us. Dr Joe Kosterich explains the basics of what we need to eat.

Something that we all do every day is eat. It’s pretty basic stuff, and yet surprisingly it’s become quite difficult for a lot of people. In some respects there is a lot of choice, and there is a lot of contradictory and confusing information out there as to what is the best to eat. One week they tell you to eat these foods because they are really good for you, and the next week somebody tells you that these foods have been linked with cancer. Alright, so in this video let’s make it really, really simple.

The three main food groups

Firstly, there are the three main food groups: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. You need all of them, and you need them in the right proportions. The simplest way to think about protein is that it moves around. That means things like meat, fish, and chicken. There are also vegetable sources of protein; obviously they don’t move around, things like lentils, chick peas, legumes, quinoa, and soy are vegetable sources of protein. But, the simplest way to think about protein is that it moves around, and proteins are the building blocks of the body. Carbohydrates give you energy; they basically grow in the ground. So, obviously, your fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are carbohydrates. There are good and bad carbohydrates, and we’ll touch on that briefly. Your good carbohydrates are your unprocessed carbohydrates, things like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Your bad carbohydrates are the very refined sugars, a lot of processed food, white sugars, and some of the white flour-based products. Your fats are good and bad. The good fats are the omega-3s and the omega-6s, and these are essential, you do actually need them, the body can’t make them. Flaxseed oil and olive oil are reasonable sources, and of course oily fish, things like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines are excellent sources of your omega-3s. Now, your bad fats are your saturated fats, and in particular the trans fats.  Always read the labels because the worst sorts of fats are, in fact, the trans fats, and these are brought about often through manufacturing-type processes. Always have a quick look at the label as to what sorts of fats are in the foods that you’re buying.

The right proportions

How much of each should we have? Again, it’s going to depend a little bit on individuals and circumstances. Protein, generally somewhere between 10% and 35%, so about a quarter of your calories per day; your fats, somewhere between 15% and 25% of your total calories; carbohydrates roughly make up the rest.

Buying the right foods

So, in thinking about your shopping, there are a couple of simple things to keep in mind. When you’re going out and buying food for the week, buy food that if you don’t eat it this week, might have to be thrown out next week. Now, that immediately knocks out a lot of things in boxes and packages that have a use by date of one or two years down the track. Buy foods that until fairly recently were either moving around, or growing in the ground somewhere. So again, that’s your fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. For those who are non-vegetarian, obviously animal sources such as your meat, fish, and poultry. Again, all of these foods are going to need to be thrown out fairly quickly, unless you eat them by next week, where as you can keep processed and packaged foods for a year, maybe two years. Again, don’t get too fancy as to whether you buy beef or pork, or chicken or turkey; that is all going to be personal taste and preference. So, focus on the big picture.

To summarize, you want the three main food groups in your diet: proteins, good carbohydrates, and good fats. You want foods that are fairly fresh, foods that until fairly recently were moving around, or growing somewhere. You want foods that, by and large, if you don’t eat them fairly quickly, are going to go off, and you’re going to have to throw them out, that you can’t put on the shelf till next year or the year after. Follow these broad, brushstroke guidelines (nutritional), and you’ll do pretty well with your diet.

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Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) devices

TENS or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation devices are used in the treatment of pain. A TENS device works by passing a small electrical current across the skin. This procedure is completely painless.

TENS machines or devices became popular in the 1970's and are commonly used by physiotherapists today. Many people will report a reduction in pain after TENS treatment or therapy. However, research evidence to support these patient reports is mixed.

TENS devices are primarily used to treat various forms of pain including chronic musculoskeletal pain (for example arthritis or back pain), pain that occurs following an operation or surgery, cancer pain, phantom limb pain (pain in an already amputated arm or leg, as if it were still there) and pain during childbirth.

TENS has also been reported to be useful in reducing nausea following chemotherapy and in the healing of ulcers or wounds.

A TENS device will typically consist of an electrical pulse generator, leads and electrodes. When switched on, the electrical pulse generator will create waves or pulses of electricity that travel along the leads to the electrode that are placed on the skin. The electrodes are placed either near to the site of the pain, or sometimes along the spinal cord. The patient or practitioner can control the electrical pulses and alter their amplitude (whether the pulses are strong or weak), frequency (how often the pulses occur) and duration (how long the pulses last for).

TENS devices can be portable, battery powered and easily operated by patients. These TENS devices tend to be small and lightweight, and can be concealed under clothing. Other TENS devices may be powered through an electrical outlet and will tend to be larger. These devices will typically require a physiotherapist or technician to operate them.  

There are two theories about how electrical pulses generated by TENS devices may relieve pain. One theory suggests that the electrical pulses may aid in the release of endorphins - the body's natural pain-killers. Another theory (the gate control theory) suggests that electricity can stimulate nerve fibres that will block pain messages to the brain.

TENS devices are usually available at physiotherapy centres and at some hospitals. Small TENS devices are also available for commercial sale to patients. 

There are no strict guidelines on how long a TENS device should be used for. An initial session will generally last for 10 to 30 minutes. The intensity of the electrical pulse will be set below a patient's pain threshold. However the patient should feel tingling, prickling or buzzing sensations called paraesthesias.

Pain relief usually occurs soon after the onset of the electrical pulses, and should persist for at least the time that the machine is switched on. Patients may use the TENS device at home as needed. Alternatively, TENS can be applied at fixed intervals, two or three times daily. Patients are often encouraged to experiment with pulse amplitude, frequency and duration to maximise their comfort.

TENS devices should not be used while driving or operating machinery, should never be used near water (e.g. in the shower) and should not be used near an open wound, or on broken or irritated skin.

TENS devices are thought to reduce the severity of pain. TENS devices can be relatively easy to use and accessible for patients. When used appropriately, there are no known side effects of these devices.

Currently, there is mixed support for the use of TENS devices in the treatment of pain. Some studies have found pain reduction following the use of TENS whereas others have found no significant reduction in pain.

If the TENS device is not used appropriately (i.e. at high voltages) there is a risk of increasing pain rather than easing it. TENS is not recommended for use on pregnant women as it may induce contractions. TENS is not recommended for individuals with cardiac pacemakers. The electrical pulses may interfere with the operation of the pacemaker. TENS is not recommended for patients with epilepsy or severe allodynia (e.g. a heightened pain response to gentle touch).It is recommended that TENS electrodes should not be placed over the throat, eyes or carotid sinus (the area on the neck just below the ear and near the jaw where the carotid artery lies).Bercovitch M, Waller A. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). In: Doyle D, Hanks G, Cherny N, Calman K, editors. Oxford Textbook of Palliative Medicine. 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2004. p. 405-410.Johnson M, Martinson M. Efficacy of electrical nerve stimulation for chronic musculoskeletal pain: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Pain 2007; 130: 157-65.Bjordal J, Johnson M, Ljunggreen A. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can reduce postoperative analgesic consumption. A meta-analysis with assessment of optimal treatment parameters for postoperative pain. Eur J Pain 2003; 7: 181-8. Carroll D, Tramer M, McQuay H, Nye B, Moore A. Randomization is important in studies with pain outcomes: systematic review of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in acute postoperative pain. Br J Anaesth 1996; 77(6): 798-803.Melzack R, Wall P. Pain mechanisms: a new theory. Science 1965; 150: 971-9.

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Weight Loss Drugs

Weight loss drugs are designed to help people who are classified as obese lose weight. Obesity is an increasing epidemic in Western societies. In 2005, 18% of Australian adults were obese (approximately 3.1 million people) compared to 13% in 1995.

The main aims of obesity treatment are to:

Lose weight;Maintain weight loss; and Prevent any further weight gain.

The most important way of obtaining these goals is developing a healthy diet and exercise regime, and developing strategies and thinking patterns that will help maintain these lifestyle changes.

For some people who are obese, weight loss with these changes alone is very difficult, and it may be beneficial to use medication to aid in initial weight loss. Large studies repeatedly report that weight loss associated with medication is greater than weight loss associated with lifestyle changes alone.

The body mass index (BMI) is a scale used to determine broad weight range categories. Weight loss medication may be prescribed to people with a BMI greater than 30 who have not adequately responded to a weight-reducing lifestyle regimen. People with a BMI of 27 who also have lifestyle risk factors may also be prescribed weight loss medication.

Risk factors for overweight patients include:

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The formula for calculating your body mass index is:
BMI = weight (kilograms) / (height (metres) * height (metres))

For example:
A man who weighs 85 kilograms and is 1.8 metres tall would have a BMI of
BMI = 85 / (1.8 * 1.8)
BMI = 85 / 3.24
BMI = 26.2

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Weight loss medication is most effective for initial and short-term weight loss. Studies have shown that once people stop taking the medication, they are at risk of regaining the weight they have lost. Weight regain can have serious psychological effects associated with failure. It must be emphasised that weight regain is no reason to give up hope. Obesity is a relapsing condition and is very difficult to treat. Regaining weight is not a sign of failure, but a valuable experience that can provide motivation to try again.

Medication should only be used as an aid to lose weight. The first line of treatment should always be a diet (500–1000 kcal/day deficit) and exercise plan. Dietitians and exercise physiologists have recently been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) so that people who require help to change their lifestyle can receive a rebate. Medical professionals can design a diet and exercise regime specifically for a person's lifestyle, tastes and realistic expectations of weight loss and dietary control. Tailoring the program will have a dramatic effect on the success of the regime. Combining lifestyle and pharmacological treatments can help encourage the development of a healthy lifestyle so that it is possible to maintain the weight loss when the medication is stopped.

Weight loss drugs can be classified into three broad categories:

Drugs that decrease food intake;Drugs that alter the metabolism of food; and Drugs that increase thermogenesis (energy expenditure).

Drugs that decrease food intake, called sympathomimetic agents, suppress appetite and induce satiety earlier. Satiety is the satisfaction or "full" feeling obtained from eating. Sympathomimetic agents work on by mimicking a neurotransmitter in the brain related to appetite, called noradrenaline (NA). Sympathomimetic drugs share a similar chemical structure to NA and therefore can bind to the same receptors as NA. They also increase NA activity in the "feeding centre" of the brain, the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus regulates the energy balance in the body. Information about energy stores is integrated in the hypothalamus, which then controls appetite and food intake. NA binding and activity in the hypothalamus has a negative effect on appetite.

Phentermine (Duromine)

Phentermine (Duromine) is the sympathomimetic anoretic available for use in Australia. Phentermine increases NA and dopamine (DA) levels in the hypothalamus, resulting in an appetite suppressant effect. 

The longest phentermine (Duromine) trial, conducted in 1968, resulted in an average weight reduction of 12.6 kg over a period of 36 weeks for both continuous and intermittent use (weight loss in the placebo group was 4.8 kg). Participants also adhered to a calorie-controlled, low-carbohydrate diet regimen (1000 kcal/day).

Sibutramine (Reductil)

Sibutramine is an appetite suppressant. It increases both NA and serotonin levels in the brain, which then bind to their receptors and exert their effects on appetite and satiety.

On average, sibutramine treatment with diet and exercise will result in 4.6 kg more weight loss than diet and exercise alone. Sibutramine (Reductil) has been approved for up to two years of use. 

Along with decreasing food intake, sibutramine has been found to:

Orlistat (Xenical)

Orlistat is a potent gastric and pancreatic lipase inhibitor. Dietary triglycerides are digested with the aid of gastric and pancreatic lipases. These lipases enzymatically break the triglycerides down into free fatty acids, which can then be absorbed in the small intestine. Pancreatic and gastric lipase inhibitors form bonds with the gastric and pancreatic lipases in the lumen of the stomach and small intestine, rendering these enzymes unable to function properly. By inhibiting the action of these lipases, the digestion of dietary fat is also inhibited and the triglycerides are excreted in faeces. Orlistat prevents approximately 30% of the dietary fat from meals being absorbed into the body (when 30% of the energy in the meals is supplied by triglycerides). After one year, the average weight loss with a combination of orlistat (Xenical) and lifestyle changes is approximately 8.5 kg.

Along with decreasing the absorption of dietary triglycerides, orlistat has been found to:

It is also thought that the gastrointestinal adverse effects of orlistat acts similarly to negative reinforcement, encouraging those on the medication to adhere to a low fat diet. 

Some people will respond differently to others when taking the same weight loss drugs. Some find it difficult to adhere to the necessary lifestyle and dietary changes, whereas others simply may not respond to the medication. Everyone using weight loss medication must be assessed by their doctor within 6 weeks to 3 months of starting the treatment to determine whether it is working effectively.

Weight loss medication has a modest effect on weight loss. For obese people, even a modest weight loss is helpful. As little as 5–10% weight lost should be considered a success. Even if still technically overweight or obese after the weight loss, people who have lost weight will have improved lipid profiles, glucose control and insulin levels compared to others of the same BMI who have not lost weight. This decreases the health risks for diabetes, stroke, heart attack, and so on.

It cannot be stressed enough that any weight loss medication must be combined with a healthy diet and exercise plan.

For more information on obesity, health and social issues, and methods of weight loss, as well as some useful tools, see Weight Loss.Overweight and obesity in Australia [online]. Canberra, ACT: Parliament of Australia Parliamentary Library; 5 October 2006 [cited 10 June 2009]. Available from: URL linkYates J, Murphy C. A cost benefit analysis of weight management stategies. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2006; 15(Suppl): 74-9. [Abstract | Full text]Schnee DM, Zaiken K, McCloskey WW. An update on the pharmacological treatment of obesity. Curr Med Res Opin. 2006; 22(8): 1463-74. [Abstract]Caterson ID, Finer N. Emerging pharmacotherapy for treating obesity and associated cardiometabolic risk. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2006; 15(Suppl): 55-62. [Abstract | Full text]Elfhag K, Rössner S. Who succeeds in maintaining weight loss? A conceptual review of factors associated with weight loss maintenance and weight regain. Obes Rev. 2005; 6(1): 67-85. [Abstract]Clinical practice guidelines for the management of overweight and obesity in adults [online]. Canberra, ACT: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing; 12 November 2003 [cited 20 August 2008]. Available from: URL link Bray GA. A concise review on the therapeutics of obesity. Nutrition. 2000; 16(10): 953-60. [Abstract]Gill T. Epidemiology and health impact of obesity: An Asia Pacific perspective. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2006; 15(Suppl): 3-14. [Abstract | Full text]Carek PJ, Dickerson LM. Current concepts in the pharmacological management of obesity. Drugs. 1999; 57(6): 883-904. [Abstract]Dixon JB, Dixon ME. Combined strategies in the management of obesity. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2006; 15(Suppl): 63-9. [Abstract | Full text]Bray GA. Drug Insight: Appetite suppressants. Nat Clin Pract Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2005; 2(2): 89-95. [Abstract]Munro JF, MacCuish AC, Wilson EM, Duncan LJ. Comparison of continuous and intermittent anorectic therapy in obesity. BMJ. 1968; 1: 352-4. [Full text]Duromine (Phentermine) Product Information. Thornleigh, NSW: iNova Pharmaceuticals (Australia) Pty Limited; 18 May 2007.Langlois KJ, Forbes JA, Bell GW, Grant GF Jr. A double-blind clinical evaluation of the safety and efficacy of phentermine hydrochloride (Fastin) in the treatment of exogenous obesity. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 1974; 16(4): 289-96. [Abstract]Padwal R, Li SK, Lau DC. Long-term pharmacotherapy for overweight and obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2003; 27(12): 1437-46. [Abstract | Full text]Reductil [online]. St Leonards, NSW: MIMS Online; 28 April 2008 [cited 28 December 2008]. Available from: URL linkXenical [online]. St Leonards, NSW: MIMS Online; 4 May 2007 [cited 28 December 2008]. Available from: URL linkFaucher MA. How to lose weight and keep it off: What does the evidence show? Nurs Womens Health. 2007; 11(2): 170-9. [Abstract]Elfhag K, Finer N, Rössner S. Who will lose weight on sibutramine and orlistat? Psychological correlates for treatment success. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2008; 10(6): 498-505. [Abstract]

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Moving more may lower stroke risk

Here’s yet another reason to get off the couch: new research findings suggest that regularly breaking a sweat may lower the risk of having a stroke.

A stroke can occur when a blood vessel in the brain gets blocked. As a result, nearby brain cells will die after not getting enough oxygen and other nutrients. A number of risk factors for stroke have been identified, including smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes and being inactive.

For this study, published in the journal Stroke, Michelle N. McDonnell, Ph.D., from the University of South Australia, Adelaide and her colleagues obtained data from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study. REGARDS is a large, long-term study funded by the NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) to look at the reasons behind the higher rates of stroke mortality among African-Americans and other residents living in the Southeastern United States.

“Epidemiological studies such as REGARDS provide an important opportunity to explore race, genetics, environmental, and lifestyle choices as stroke risk factors,” said Claudia Moy, Ph.D., program director at NINDS.

Over 30,000 participants supplied their medical history over the phone. The researchers also visited them to obtain health measures such as body mass index and blood pressure. At the beginning of the study, the researchers asked participants how many times per week they exercised vigorously enough to work up a sweat. The researchers contacted participants every six months to see if they had experienced a stroke or a mini-stroke known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA). To confirm their responses, the researchers reviewed participants’ medical records.

The researchers reported data for over 27,000 participants who were stroke-free at the start of the study and followed for an average of 5.7 years. One-third of participants reported exercising less than once a week. Study subjects who were inactive were 20 percent more likely to experience a stroke or TIA than participants who exercised four or more times a week.

The findings revealed that regular, moderately vigorous exercise, enough to break a sweat, was linked to reduced risk of stroke. Part of the protective effect was due to lower rates of known stroke risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and smoking.

“Our results confirm other research findings but our study has the distinct advantage of including larger numbers, especially larger numbers of women as well as blacks, in a national population sample so these provide somewhat more generalizable results than other studies,” said Virginia Howard, Ph.D., senior author of the study from the School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham.

The researchers also looked at the data according to gender. After the researchers accounted for age, race, socioeconomic factors (education and income) and stroke risk factors, the results revealed that men who exercised at least four times a week still had a lower risk of stroke than men who exercised one to three times per week. In contrast, there was no association between frequency of exercise and stroke risk among women in the study. However, there was a trend towards a similar reduction in stroke risk for those who exercised one to three times a week and four or more times a week compared to those who were inactive.

“This could be related to differences in the type, duration, and intensity of physical activity between men and women,” said Dr. Howard. “This could also be due to differences in the perception of what is intense physical activity enough to work up a sweat.”

The results should encourage doctors to stress the importance of exercise when speaking with their patients, Dr. Howard said.

“Physical inactivity is a major modifiable risk factor for stroke. This should be emphasized in routine physician check-ups along with general education about the benefits of exercise on stroke risk factors including high blood pressure, diabetes and being overweight or obese,” she said.

The study suggests that men should consider exercising at least four times a week. 

REGARDS will continue to assess stroke risk factors to look for long-term patterns in the study population. “Findings from this study, including the current physical activity results, will ultimately help us to identify potential targets for immediate intervention as well as for future clinical trials aimed at preventing stroke and its consequences,” said Dr. Moy.

Source National Institue of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Article Date: 23/7/2013

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Future doctors unaware of their obesity bias

Two out of five medical students have an unconscious bias against obese people, according to a new study by researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. The study is published online ahead of print in the Journal of Academic Medicine. 

"Bias can affect clinical care and the doctore-patient relationship, and even a patient's willingness or desire to go see their physician, so its crucial that we try to deal with any bias during medical school," said David Miller, M.D., associate professor of internal medicine at Wake Forest Baptist and lead author of the study.

"Previous research has shown that on average, physicians have a strong anti-fat bias similiar to that of the general population. Doctors are more likely to assume that obese individuals won't follow treatment plans, and they are less likely to respect obese patients than average weight patients," Miller said. 

Miller and colleagues conducted the study as part of their efforts to update the medical school's curcciculum on obesity. The goa was to measure the prevalence of unconscious weight related biases among medical students and to determine whether the students were aware of those biases.

The three-year study included more than 300 third-year medical students at a medical school in southeastern United States from 2008 through 2011. The students were geographically diverse, representing at least 25 differemt states and 12 countries outside the United States.

The researchers used a computer program called the Weight Implicity Association Test (IAT) to measures students' unconscious preferences for "fat" or "thin" individuals. Students also answered a survey assessing their conscious weight preferences. The authors determined if the students were aware of their bias by seeing if their IAT results matched their stated preferences.

Overall, 39 percent of medical students had a moderate to strong uncoscious anti-fat bias as compared to 17 percent who had a moderate to strong anti-thin bias. Less than 25 percent of students were aware of their biases.

"Because anti-fat stigma is so prevalent and a significant barrier to the treatment of obesity, teaching medical students to recognise and mitigate this bias is crucial to imrpoving the care for the two-thirds of American adults who are now overwight or obese," Miller said. "Medical schools should address weight bias as part of a comprehensive obesity curriculum."

While this study did not address which teaching strategies are most effective, Miller said that a prerequisite to combating prejudice is to first acknowledge its existence. At Wake Forest Baptist, all third-year medical students in the family medicine clerkshop must complete the online IAT, and then participate in an in-class discussion of their experience with bias. In addition students must accept that their bias could affect their actions and adopt new strategies to mitigate bias, he said.

(Source: Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center: Journal of Academic Medicine)

For more information on obesity, health and social issues, and methods of weight loss, as well as some useful tools, see Obesity and Weight Loss.
Article Date: 22/6/2013

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Slim evidence for weight loss product

The use of celebrity endorsements by Nicole Kidman and others needs a rethink in light of a Therapeutic Goods Administration decision to ban a Swisse appetite suppressant after finding the scientific evidence does not support the product claims, says CHF CEO Carol Bennett.

"We congratulate the TGA for its firm action on this issue. The market is being flooded with these heavily-promoted but lightly-proven products," Ms Bennett said.

"Often because they are sold in pharmacies, consumers may have the mistaken impression that, like mainstream medicines, they have therapeutic worth. The reality is that for most people their hardearned cash could be better spent elsewhere".

"The industry has deployed a number of movie and sports stars to spruik their products in the media".

"While they might believe these products do what they claim to do, there is little or no independent medical evidence to support them.
"Many products being promoted by prominent people including Nicole Kidman, Lleyton Hewitt, Ricky Ponting and even the Wallabies rugby team, for most provide no more benefit than a wholesome diet would.

"But buyer beware! These companies' use of VIPs may add to their profits but provide little value for money.

"Celebrities' fame carries responsibilities. Just as they do not like the public and the media prying into their personal lives, they should be mindful of the way their personal endorsement of a product may directly influence the lives of thousands in negative ways, such as paying $20 for a largely worthless product when they could be using that money to buy nutritious food."

(Source: Consumers Health Forum of Australia)

For more information on obesity, health and social issues, and methods of weight loss, as well as some useful tools, see Obesity and Weight Loss.For more information on nutrition, including information on types and composition of food, nutrition and people, conditions related to nutrition, and diets and recipes, as well as some useful videos and tools, see Nutrition.
Article Date: 15/5/2013

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Mexican Dining "Quick Guide"

Mexican food can be a dieting "do" if you say si to fajitas!

Image: © Jupiterimages Corp. Mexican restaurants offer a variety of diet-friendly menu menu options. Our dining out "Quick Guides" list the best and worst dishes at many different types of restaurants. This guide will help you make healthy choices at Mexican restaurants. gazpachochicken or vegetable fajitasgrilled chicken-based dishes (e.g., arroz con pollo)grilled seafood-based dishes (e.g. camarones de hacha)salsa and picante saucessoft tacos with chicken or beeftamaleschicken flautasfish tacoschile con carne (hold the cheese)pico de gallochipsguacamolenachoschimichangasquesadilliascrunchy tacostaco saladchorizo sausagesour creamsopapillas

To search the nutritional information for many other restaurant foods, visit About.com's Calorie Count.

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Lose Weight by Counting Calories

Calories -- knowing how to find them, how to count them and how to cut them, are key to lose weight on your own. Calorie counting is easy and effective. This article will help you understand what you need to know about calories.

The first step to losing weight by counting calories is to understand what a calorie is and how it applies to your weight. A calorie is a unit of measurement that measures the amount of energy contained in a food or beverage.

Your body uses caloric energy to perform everything from basic biological functions to typing on your keyboard or jogging around the block. We all have a certain caloric requirement needed to maintain our current weight; if you eat fewer -- or burn more -- calories than that, you will eventually lose weight. This is called a caloric deficit. A good rule of thumb is that a caloric deficit of 3,500 calories leads to a weight loss of approximately one pound.

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The 3-Day Military Diet (Review)

Do these men eat Skinny Cows?

Walter B. McKenzie/Getty Images

Are you tempted to try the Military Diet? The quick weight loss program, sometimes called the “3 Day Diet,” is popular on Pinterest, Facebook and other social media sites. According the claims, you can lose up to 10 pounds per week or 30 pounds in a month. Sounds attractive, huh? But before you try this eating plan, a word of caution is advised.

This weight loss program is a “3 day on/4 day off” eating plan. According to the website, the diet is a “combination of low calorie, chemically compatible foods designed to work together and jump start your weight loss.” There is no further information about what they mean by “chemically compatible.” There is also no mention of any real affiliation or history with the military.

It is unclear who (or what) is behind the Military Diet, although there is clearly someone collecting revenue from paid advertisements on the site. The language on the site and the “contact” portal would leave you to believe that there is someone available to answer questions or offer advice. But I tried reaching out to them (anonymously) on several occasions and no one ever replied.

I can’t promise that you will lose weight on any diet, but if you follow The Military Diet you will probably lose a few pounds. I doubt that you’ll lose ten in the first week. So do I recommend the Military Diet? No. In fact, I would predict that if you try the diet, you will regain the weight – and maybe put on more weight in the months after dieting.

Why will the weight come back? First, because the food plan is not sustainable for most people. Very few dieters would be able to spend their lives eating grapefruit and saltines for all of eternity. And second, because some foods that you’ll get used to on the diet are very high calorie, high fat foods. For example, on day two of the diet you eat hot dogs and ice cream for dinner. If you get used to eating foods like that, you’re likely to eventually make portion size mistakes and gain weight as a result.

Much of the information about diet's website just doesn’t make sense. Because the Military Diet doesn’t actually sell anything, their claims don’t have to be backed up by any real data. Here are a few examples of the claims that don’t add up:

There are no days off. You get the idea that you this is a 3 day on/4 day off plan – which would imply that you eat a normal diet for four days during the week. But this plan actually requires you to diet all the time. Here’s what the site says about your four days “off”

“On the four days off, we recommend a diet of about 1300 – 1500 calories per day, made of up lean protein, veggies and easy on the carbs.”

I had to laugh out loud when I read this statement. Because anyone who eats a calorie controlled diet that includes the right amount of lean protein, the correct ratio of carbs and plenty of veggies doesn’t need a diet in the first place.
Calorie counting in disguise. The Military Diet is no different than any other plan that requires you to understand and record your caloric intake. If you substitute any food on your three days “on” you are required to measure your food and add up calories. On your four days “off” you are also required to count calories.
Natural diet claims are questionable. The diet claims to be “one of the best natural diets.” They recommend that dieters avoid artificial sweeteners because they “aren’t good for you.” But then the site goes on to include foods like hot dogs and Skinny Cow brand treats in the daily meal plans. I’ve got nothing against hot dogs or Skinny Cows, but they are both loaded with artificial ingredients that aren’t natural.
What about water weight? The site claims that when a dieter loses weight on the diet, it “is not just water weight.” But there is no further documentation provided. I’m not sure why a dieter would believe that claim without significant evidence to prove otherwise.

If you need to lose weight quickly, any diet that requires you to significantly decrease your caloric intake will cause weight loss. In most cases, the weight loss is not sustainable and in many cases, the dieter regains more than they lost. I don’t recommend quick weight loss programs, but if I had to, I would recommend one that includes healthier foods than hot dogs.

For long-term weight loss, I wouldn’t recommend this plan either. Your health is too important to trust it to a nameless, faceless fad on the internet. Find the right diet for you and invest a little time and effort into putting a reasonable healthy plan in place. Is it more work in the beginning? Yep! But you're far more likely to achieve sustainable results.

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South Beach Diet 101 ~ Phase 2 Foods to Eat ~...

South Beach Diet 101

Foods you will be eating during Phase 2 of the South Beach Diet include low-GI fruits, whole grain bread and pasta, and low-fat dairy. You can also continue to eat all acceptable Phase 1 foods. The acceptable foods include, but are not limited to:

Low-GI fruits, including ApplesBananasCantaloupeGrapesOrangesPearsStarches, including: Whole wheat bagelsWhole wheat breadSome cerealsWhole grain crackersWhole wheat pastaA variety of additional vegetables, including: Green peasCarrotsPotatoesPumpkinYamsSemi-sweet chocolateNon-fat yogurtFat-free puddingWine (1 or 2 glasses a day)You will find both a complete list of these foods in the South Beach Diet book in the section about Phase 2.

Continue: Phase 3 of The South Beach Diet >>

(Please note: In order to correctly follow The South Beach Diet, you will need to read The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss, which is also available on CD.

You may also find the companion food guide helpful.)

South Beach Diet 101

Related Resources:
South Beach Diet 101: Phase 1
South Beach Diet 101: Phase 2
South Beach Diet Main

Suggested Reading:
The South Beach Diet by Arthur Agatston, MD
The South Beach Diet Good Fats Good Fats Guide
The South Beach Diet Cookbook
The South Beach Diet Quick & Easy Cookbook

Source:
The South Beach Diet : The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss, Arthur Agatston, MD, St. Martin's Griffin (April 19, 2005 edition).

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