The Obesity Fix – taking back control

I just read about a new app that’s undergoing final development from the GoCARB Initiative that will help you count carbs using your smartphone. It uses artificial intelligence to estimate the amount of carbs using special gizmos in your phone that make 3D images from photos you’ve taken of your food. It then reveals the carb content of the portion on your plate so you can monitor your carb load. The app has been 4 years in the making and has been funded by EU money to the tune of €942,638. Slated to, “significantly improve your quality of life if you suffer from diabetes”, it still needs to go through further clinical trials before public release.

Type 2 diabetes currently affects one in 11 adults globally, and by 2040 it’s estimated that more than 642 million adults worldwide will suffer from it. Yet it’s not so much the terrifying (and increasing) stats that interest me, but the words, “suffer from diabetes”, from the quote above. The implication is that type 2 diabetes is something that just happens out of the blue to people at random and there’s not a lot else one can do but suffer through the consequences. Given that obesity is a key risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, our view at ANH is there’s a huge amount each and every one of us can do to a) avoid getting it in the first place and b) reverse the condition if you do fall prey. What’s more, our solutions don’t cost millions, don’t rely on drugs, target the cause of the problem and educate and empower the individual whilst they heal.

Our two stories this week centre around solutions for the problem of obesity – and put self-care at the top of the health agenda. Our lead article showcases part 1 of our video series entitled ‘The Obesity Fix’, based on Rob Verkerk PhD’s article from last week, “Are governments on the wrong anti-obesity track?”. It’s been made to share!

Our second article showcases the passion that one concerned teenager has for the poor healthy eating advice given to young people in the UK. Jada-Virginia Surpin is a young activist in the making and her survey that we profile is the start of, what we feel sure will be, a lifetime of campaigning. Welcome to our world, Jada!

As always, our news bites, will keep you up to speed in your time-challenged week.

In health, naturally

Meleni Aldridge

Executive Coordinator