Anushka asthana talk to Dr. Andrew Jenkinson, consultant in bariatric surgery (weight loss). He discusses how the experiences of his patients with failed weight loss led him to spend years researching metabolism and weight reduction. Why, even though most people consume foods with too many calories, only a few become obese?
They say genes predispose you to obesity, but your genetics need to be triggered by environmental change so you can be obese. In areas of the world where people eat fresh local ingredients, people do not become obese. But if you change this food supply for processed foods, some of these populations will become obese.
The UAE is a good example of this, says Jenkinson, who has clinics in Dubai. He points out that two generations ago the population was on a Bedouin diet. They now have a much more processed diet and obesity rates have skyrocketed: 50% of women in the UAE are obese.
Jenkinson believes that by lowering sugar and refined carbohydrates, increasing omega 3 and 6 levels and lowering levels of cortisol (stress hormone) instead of reducing calories, people can reduce their weight in a way permanent.
Jenkinson’s book Why We Eat (Too Much) is out now. whyweeattoomuch.co.uk
File: YouTube; ABC The Biggest Loser; University of Minnesota School of Public Health; Fox; Get the shine; The body trainer; Huntley Film Archive
Photography: Chris Radburn / PA
Support The Guardian
The Guardian is editorially independent. And we want to keep our journalism open and accessible to everyone. But we increasingly need our readers to fund our work.
Support The Guardian