Several Fond du Lac Human Services staff attended an obesity conference in Duluth in March. A few of us also went to the International Diabetes Center in April. We returned to work, excited about the information we learned. Then, we met to discuss how we can use this information to better serve our clients. I also attended the Minnesota Dietetics Association conference in May. I’d like to share some of the information from all three conferences with you.
     Marion Franz, MS, RD, CDE from the International Diabetes Center reviewed several studies to determine what really works for long-term weight loss and maintenance. She found that obesity is a very complex issue that is best treated with a combination of dietary changes, physical activity, behavioral strategies, regular support, and medications. Weight management requires improving our habits for a lifetime. If we give up, we will regain the weight.

The speakers at each conference focused on the health benefits of moderate weight loss including:

• Diabetes prevention
• Improved blood pressure and cholesterol (with less medication needed)
• Improved quality of life.

     Moderate weight loss is 7 to 10% of body weight (for a 200 pound person, modest weight loss would be 14 to 20 pounds). They also encouraged trying to prevent the gradual weight gain (1 to 3 lbs) that occurs each year. However, most Americans don’t want to maintain, or lose a “modest” amount of weight. We want to lose more than 30% of our body weight (for a 200 pound person, 34% would be 68 pounds). This is difficult to do and hard to maintain.
     There was agreement voiced from each speaker that fad diets, like Atkins, aren’t recommended. Franz stated “any fad diet works as long as people follow it. The real test of a fad diet is not at 6 weeks or at 6 months after starting it, the real test is long-term results.” She discussed the disadvantage of high-protein, low carbohydrate diets including:

• Foods with proven health benefits are often eliminated. There is a need for the nutrients found in grains, fruits, vegetables and other carbohydrate-containing foods.
• Foods containing protein are often high in fat, especially saturated fats and cholesterol.
• These diets are difficult to follow long-term. Most people quit within 6 months and regain the lost weight.

     She went on to say that “popularity is not credibility” stating there is no research published in peer-reviewed or recognized medical journals to support the Atkins diet concept.
     Scott Stuart, MD from Park Nicollet Nephrology (kidney specialist) warned that the Atkins diet is not for people with diabetes. He stated the diet will worsen kidney function and may speed progression of kidney problems.
     Nutrition is a science, so we can expect changes in recommendations as research continues. There isn’t a single plan that is right for everyone. Find what works for you.

     Look for the diabetes team at the Health Fair on Wednesday, June 16th. Our theme will focus on obesity and that YOU DON’T NEED AN EXTREME MAKEOVER! We’ll be doing blood sugar screenings and education in the Tribal Center library and have displays for you to visit in the classroom next to the library. We look forward to seeing you there. Incentives for improving your lifestyle will be given hourly.