‘Diet and Weight Loss’ at Psychology, Philosophy and Real Life, Page 2

New government research from experts led by Sir David King, the Government’s chief scientific adviser, warns that half of all adults in the UK could be clinically obese by 2050, causing health problems on a huge scale with a steep rise in heart disease, diabetes and cancer which could stretch health service resources to the breaking point.

The ideal of perfection, and everything being under the control of the individual, is certainly in harmony with contemporary western culture. This ideal of control over messy emotions, ageing, our own success, has unfortunately become linked to being thin. This gives form to the voice of anorexia, a seemingly safe way to a painless and perfect existence. Just get thin. Just don’t eat. Just don’t feel.

After the ’size zero’ outcry and the deaths of two young models last year, the modelling industry is seen as a hotbed of eating disorders. The independent Model Health Inquiry was set up to investigate, and recommends that models under 16 should be banned from the catwalks at London Fashion Week. How does this issue affect the average size 14 British woman?

A healthy diet can have a positive impact on mental health, according to recent research from the Mental Health Foundation. The charity has published a new booklet to help you protect your mental health through healthy eating. It is particularly relevant for those recovering from mild to moderate depression and suggests how changes to diet can help improve mood.

Evidence that potential blockbuster weight loss drug Acomplia (rimonabant) causes neurological and psychiatric problems and increases the risk of suicide has led to a unanimous vote against the drug by a US FDA advisory panel. Although rimonabant is already being marketed in 37 countries, it is now unlikely the FDA will approve the weight loss drug, to have been sold in the United States under the name ‘Zimulti’, without more positive data on safety.