FASTING AND DIETING

Most of the world’s population live in countries where overweight and obesity kill more than underweight. Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may negatively affect health. Body mass index (BMI) is an approximate calculation used to classify overweight and obesity in adults. Other methods used are the waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio. Irrespective of which method is used to determine overweight or obesity, the more weight accumulated the higher the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and musculoskeletal disorders.

PTA: Guten Morgen. Wie kann ich Ihnen behilflich sein?
Male customer: Good morning, sorry but I don’t speak German!

No problem. How may I help you?
I’m afraid I overindulged during Christmas, and all those extra pounds just don’t seem to want to go away!

That is typical for this time of year. Were you thinking of something to help you reduce weight?
There are so many trend diets on the internet, and so many sites giving advice on what to do to lose weight, that I don’t know which one is best!

You have come to the right place here. For some people fasting is the answer, for others it’s reducing their intake of calories.
I checked out the website of the NHS, that’s the British National Health Service, and apparently although 16:8 intermittent fasting is good, it is not for everyone.

Before you do anything, it’s a good idea to have a chat with your GP.
I’ve already done that. She did a whole series of tests: blood test, blood pressure, body fat and weight. It’s at least good to know that I don’t have metabolic syndrome, but she said if I continue gaining weight the risk of developing it, or even type 2 diabetes will increase.

I have some products here that might help, but before I recommend anything, I need to know a few things, if that’s okay with you?
Sure go ahead.

Do you have lactose intolerance?
No, not at all.

This helps to reduce calorie intake, and reduce the danger of getting ravenously hungry while dieting. You follow a 3-2-1 plan, that’s 6 meals a day, two of which are replaced by the diet shakes. You mix the powder with milk and it’s quite filling.
Sounds good. Is there anything else I should know?

You choose 3 different snacks in the form of fruit or vegetables with not more than 100 calories. Drink two of shakes as meal replacements, and eat one well-balanced meal per day. It’s important to drink at least 2 litres of water per day, and get as much exercise as possible.
I was going to do that anyway.

We have vanilla, chocolate, caramel, cappuccino and strawberry.
I’ll take vanilla and cappuccino please.

There you are, here’s your change. Good bye.
Thank you, good bye.

You can find this article at PTA IN DER APOTHEKE 02/2020 on page 72.

Catherine Croghan, Lecturer in English and native speaker