Government should stop promoting exercise as weight-loss measure... and we ... - Daily Mail
By Lee Moran
Last updated at 9:22 PM on 12th September 2011
Controversial: Lord McColl of Dulwich has said people wanting to lose weight should just eat less, rather than exercise
People wanting to lose weight should stop exercising and simply eat less, a leading surgeon has claimed.
Lord McColl of Dulwich today said that those wishing to shift some pounds would be better off just reducing their calorie intake rather than embarking on a rigorous training regime.
The Tory peer also criticised the Government's focus on promoting exercise as the key to tackling the obesity epidemic.
His comments came despite the scientifically proven facts that regular exercise results in a lower risk of many chronic diseases - including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
And his view also flies in the face of research that shows it can also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy - as well as reduce risk of stress, depression, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
He said: 'We are in the middle of the most serious epidemic to have hit this country for 100 years - the obesity epidemic. The cure is free - you just have to eat less.'
He asked Health Minister Earl Howe at question time in the House of Lords: 'Why does the Department of Health insist that exercise is important in this equation?'
Lord Howe replied that the department took its view from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice).
He said: 'I'm sure you will agree that exercise is never irrelevant to the question of obesity.
'I think your difficulty centres on how relevant it is in relation to reducing calorie intake and no doubt the debate on that will continue.'
Regular bouts of exercise have long been seen as the crucial factor in losing weight.
Opposing: Lord McColl's comments come despite the scientifically proven facts that regular exercise results in a lower risk of many chronic diseases - including heart disease and type 2 diabetes (picture posed by model)
Nice recommends that people wishing to tackle their weight problem should try to do at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on five or more days a week.
Its guidance adds that many people need to do 45 to 60 minutes of moderate activity a day to stop them from gaining weight.
BENEFITS OF EXERCISE:
Exercise is the miracle cure we've always had, but we've neglected to take our recommended dose for too long. Our health is now suffering as a consequence.
This is no snake oil. Whatever your age, there's strong scientific evidence that being physically active can help you lead a healthier and even happier life.
People who do regular activity have a lower risk of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and some cancers.
Research shows that physical activity can also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing your risk of stress, depression, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
'If exercise were a pill, it would be one of the most cost-effective drugs ever invented,' says Dr Nick Cavill, a health promotion consultant.
It's medically proven that people who do regular physical activity have lower risk of: coronary heart disease and stroke // type 2 diabetes // colon cancer // breast cancer // early death // osteoarthritis // hip fracture // falls (among older adults) // depression // dementia
* taken from the NHS Choices website.
Brisk walking, cycling, gardening, exercise classes and swimming are all stated to be good activities to aid weight-loss.
It adds: 'Your choice of activities should be based on what you enjoy, your general health and fitness and any disability you may have.
'Try to reduce the amount of time you are sitting down and inactive, for example watching television or at a computer.
'And remember, it's worth being more active even if you don't manage to lose much weight, because it can improve your health in other ways. Even small changes can help.'
But Lord McColl, who was professor and director of surgery at Guy's Hospital in London for 27 years until his retirement in 1998, has rubbished the exercise section of the guidance.
And he believes that people should simply follow Nice's parallel advice on eating less, that states: 'Your healthcare professional will probably recommend that you reduce the amount of food you eat, as well as being more active.
'Adults should usually be advised to follow a low-fat diet, or one where the food you eat each day provides about 600kcal less than your body needs to stay the same weight.
'The diet should fit with healthy eating advice.
'You should be offered advice and regular appointments with a healthcare professional to help you follow the diet.
'Sometimes, the healthcare professional may recommend a low-calorie diet, where your food provides only 1000 to 1600 kcal a day.'
13 Sep, 2011--
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