Diet and another false dawn

Dennie Quill, Contributor

MY FRIEND is in a celebratory mood because she dropped two pounds over the recent 'Emanci-pendence' week. It didn't sound like a big deal to me. However, when one tips the scale at 200 pounds, every ounce shaved off is viewed as a major accomplishment.

Not for the first time, I listened to my friend gush about her new regime, which, this time, included eating less meat and more fish and vegetables. I cast my mind back to other times when, with the spark of optimism in her eyes, she has been so enthusiastic about colon cleansing, detox and flushes of all kind, cabbage diet, slimming tea, grapefruit diet, Atkins diet, etc.

Yes, Jamaicans are passionate about their food, and it is hard to resist the variety of home-grown treats that are usually spread out in front of us. It is also a challenge to keep portion sizes down. But there are some people looking for miracles and expecting that they can eat all they want and lose weight. For example, I know someone who has struggled with weight and body-image issues all her life. She seemed to be permanently on a diet and would always refuse food at family gatherings.

Then, one day, I ran into her at a popular entertainment spot, and before her was a plate of food that would make a sailor blush. She sheepishly begged for understanding, explaining that this was her one and only meal of the day.

Quick fixes

People who are looking for this quick fix are often attracted to myriad weight loss fads, especially those with celebrity endorsements. A svelte Jennifer Hudson is the newly-minted postergirl for Weight Watchers and before that, it was Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, who, along with an assortment of celebrities, have been employed to delight the rest of us with success stories that make weight loss appear so effortless.

Fact is, weight loss specialists are becoming as aggressive as junk food manufacturers in peddling their ware. So much so, there is now fear among health professionals that widespread abuse of some of these products is already taking place among those who seek immediate results. And they worry that this could even lead to addiction.

Individuals must ultimately take care of their own health, but is the time right for a national dietary campaign which would urge children and adults to watch their diets - not just what they eat, but also how much they eat? Should the Ministry of Agriculture, along with farmers' associations, start a national campaign to urge healthy eating, by explaining the goodness of fresh fruits and vegetables? Why not have our celebrities parlay their popularity into one great national effort to get Jamaicans to commit to better health? Is Minister Christopher Tufton interested?

United States First Lady Michelle Obama has admirably started a campaign against childhood obesity, in an effort to teach the lessons of health in the early years to get people to eat healthy and exercise more.

Excess weight increases the risk for developing heart disease, Type II diabetes, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure and asthma. Sadly, there is no quick fix. One expert says losing weight is as simple as it is difficult. Eat fewer calories and increase your activity levels.

In the final analysis, the best diet is not a diet, it is a way of life that includes proper eating, plenty exercise and rest.

denniequill@hotmail.com