Say "No-No" to Yo-Yo Dieting

Published: 07 June 2005

Crash dieters risk serious health problems

More than two million women in the UK (1) are putting their heart health, bone health and immune systems at risk with yo-yo and fad dieting, according to a new report by Dr John Stanley of Oxford University. The new report highlights that many yo-yo dieters are unaware of the damaging effects on their bodies and minds (2).

Dr John Stanley said: "The review highlights a range of serious and long term health problems including adverse affects on body composition, increased risk of cardiovascular disease and loss of bone density leading to bone fracture. Additional problems such as binge eating, depression and emotional problems mean that it is imperative women are aware of these risks so they can make an informed decision about their health."

The research, which was done by Dr Stanley for the UK Cereals and Grain Industry is being supported by TV favourite Lorraine Kelly to promote low fat healthy balanced eating as the key to successful weight loss. The campaign will incorporate the Vitality Eating System, a seven-day eating plan which is flexible and practical resulting in achievable and realistic weight loss.

Lorraine said: "You can't rely on faddy diets, quick fixes and yo-yo dieting to control your weight. Believe me I have tried them all, only to end up putting weight back on. Eating a nutritionally balanced low fat diet, containing starchy carbohydrates, like bread, pasta and cereals, rich in fruit and vegetables and coupled with exercise - is the only way to keep in shape."

This is a joint project between the Flour Advisory Bureau (www.fabflour.co.uk), The Federation of Bakers (www.bakersfederation.org.uk) and the Grain Information Service (www.graininformationservice.co.uk). For further information, or to obtain a copy of the VITALITY EATING SYSTEM please contact: Dr Tamara de Grassi PhD, The Flour Advisory Bureau on 020 7493 2521 / tamaradegrassi@nabim.org.uk Susan McMartin at Nexus PR on 0207 8 9748 /susan.mcmartin@nexuspr.com