Are you ready? with Leigh Elder

Every second day a headline screams out about our growing obesity and diabetes numbers. While we agree that raising awareness around the obvious risks associated with drinking sugary drinks is a good move, in the long run our view is that education around nutrition and associated lifestyle issues will pay the biggest dividend in helping turn these numbers around.

The numbers are scary, and with more than 50 per cent of the population having weight, diabetes and metabolic issues, the first step that we will initiate in our new digital programme is to clarify with users whether or not they are at risk. With the help of a diabetes educator and a number of General Practitioners, we have come up with a questionnaire which we will use to help people work out where they stand.

The online programme will then prompt users to follow one pathway or the other. Obviously, any medical condition like heart disease, cancer or diabetes is far easier to treat, the earlier the diagnosis is made. Your odds of a favourable outcome, and a subsequent healthy life will improve exponentially if you are proactive in seeking out medical opinions if you experience significant weight gain or any other changes or lumps or bumps that shouldn't be there.

To access our questionnaire – copy and paste this link into your browser: http://lms.eatforkeeps.com.111-65-231-25.maibrand.co.nz/index.php/take-the-questionnaire/

If you have come up in the at risk category, it will probably be worthwhile you following up on this, and we have included some guidelines below as to what you can do.

The first step is to go to your GP and request a blood test form – this should cover standard tests like Full Blood Count and Lipids and also include thyroid function and the all important HbA1c. This last test will give you an average of your blood-sugar levels over an extended period.

Men, particularly if you have a large tummy, should also request a testosterone levels test. It is quite common for this to be low as we age and makes it very difficult to get rid of visceral fat around you waist. Patches, topical creams or injections can put this right.

Women with weight issues, who are still ovulating, should also check out your estrogen/progesterone ratios. Estrogen dominance can cause a number of health issues.

Testing your stress hormone levels is also worthwhile if you live a fairly stressful lifestyle.

Your GP will advise you on the actions, if any, you will need to take once the results are known.

If you would like the opportunity to take a free trial of our new digital programme – ‘The EFK Experience' go to www.eatforkeeps.com and register for our newsletter. We will keep registered people informed as to when this programme will be available. It is likely to be early September.

Our book ‘The Eat For Keeps Experience' is also available on the website.

Contact: 027 2941980 or leigh@eatforkeeps.com