Keep fighting excess flab to stay healthy (From Thurrock Gazette)

Keep fighting excess flab to stay healthy

10:00pm Wednesday 13th January 2010

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IF your enthusiasm for fighting the flab after festive indulgences is flagging, bear in mind that being overweight can seriously increase the risk of developing prediabetes, according to the health charity Diabetes UK.

Those susceptible to prediabetes, a symptomless condition that makes people 15 times more likely to develop type two diabetes, are individuals who are already overweight, have high blood pressure or a family history of type two diabetes.

There are an estimated seven million people in the UK living with prediabetes, but unlike type two diabetes, the condition can often be reversed and the risk of going on to develop type two diabetes is reduced by 60 per cent if a person loses weight, adopts a healthy, balanced diet and increases their physical activity levels.

To highlight the risks and the ways in which people can prevent type two diabetes, the Patients’ Participation Group at the Dipple Medical Centre East Wing in Pitsea have set up a clinical session this month.

There will be healthcare experts on hand, including Dr Anjan Bose, of St Clements Health Centre, in Thurrock, who will give a presentation on diabetes, and Dr Davey, from Dipple Medical Centre, who will speak to visitors about food and nutrition.

Nurses from the centre will also be available to take blood pressure, BMI and give information on slimming and health clubs.

Also at the event will be Angela Smith MP, Kevin Blake, from Gym Express, and representatives from Slimming World and Weight Watchers.

Bunty Murtagh, vice chairman of the Patients’ Participation Group, said: “Type two diabetes might be something we can avoid and lots of people could be candidates.

“I am going to be learning along with everyone else – I am over 60 with a slightly thickening waist and could be at risk.

“Working with the Patients’ Participation Group, I see how much the doctors care. They stay after hours and talk about patients they have seen. Now they are giving their time to talk to people and give advice.

“If it is a success, we might have clinical sessions on different subjects like the heart, Alzheimer’s and dementia.”

The lifestyle and diabetes seminar will take place at Pitsea Leisure Centre from 2pm until 4pm, on Saturday.

For more information, visit www.dippleeastwingers.btik.com

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