Nov. 9--The world-wide obesity epidemic has been thoroughly probed and
documented in countless news stories, but Dr. Frederic J. Vagnini and
co-author Lawrence D. Chilnick redefine the focus between obesity and diabetes
and outline a program to combat pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes in The Weight
Loss Plan for Beating Diabetes:The 5-Step Program That Removes Metabolic
Roadblocks, Sheds Pounds Safely, and Reverses Prediabetes and Diabetes (Fair
Winds Press, 240 pages, $21.99).
My initial reaction was "Oh, no! Not another diet book!" Reading the book
altered my initial view, because Vagnini and Chilnick lay out for readers a
detailed 5-step program for shedding unwanted pounds safely and effectively,
avoiding drastic measures that promise rapid weight loss. Vagnini, a
board-certified cardiovascular surgeon, outlines the unique metabolic
challenges faced by diabetics and how these challenges can be overcome with an
integrated plan of diet, specific nutritional supplements and exercise
regimens, lifestyle modification, and medication. Special nutritional concerns
of diabetics are addressed as is the effect of dieting and weight loss on
glucose levels and insulin. The latest information on new medications is also
included.
The abundance of food is the culprit for anyone who wants to lose weight
and dodge the diabetes bullet, the authors say. "More people around the world
die from obesity than from starvation: One billion are obese or overweight
compared with 800 million who are underweight," they write. Vagnini relates in
"Introduction: My Story" how his background growing up as an Italian-American
in Astoria, Queens contributed to his view that "life was all about food,
family, and family gatherings. Three things were important: food, food, and
food all of the time -- and much of it 'bad for you' food."
Italians are not alone: The abundance of fried food and artery-clogging
delicacies like biscuits and gravy makes the typical Southern and Appalachian
diet the equivalent of a heart attack on a plate. "Naked Chef" Jamie Oliver is
currently in Huntington, West Virginia, producing a reality TV program to lead
obese West Virginians away from their food disasters into the promised land of
healthy eating. He chose the second largest city of the Mountain State because
one study labeled it the fattest city in the U.S. Diabetes is at epidemic
proportions in Huntington, as well as in neighboring Ohio and Kentucky and
it's difficult to avoid the evidence that diet and lack of exercise is a
contributing factor.
Mexican food in the state where I now live, Texas, contributes to obesity
among Hispanics and others addicted to Tex-Mex cooking. In fact, "people of
color" -- including African-Americans and Hispanics -- are far more likely to
be obese than other groups and the connection between low income and obesity
is also well publicized.
As a non-physician I'm obviously not qualified to judge the medical
soundness of the book, but I'm convinced from reading the book and the
foreword, by Rachel F. Heller and Richard Heller, that the program is sound.
The two Hellers -- both of whom have Ph.Ds and other advanced degrees and with
many years of teaching at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine and the City
University of New York -- helped "Dr. V," as he is called by his friends and
associates in his personal quest to lose weight and overcome his heritage and
addiction to that sinfully delicious Italian-American cuisine.
Dr. Vagnini draws from the latest clinical studies and provides specific
recommendations for overcoming weight loss problems and managing diabetes
based on a patient's medical history and risk factors.
This plan features a combination of low-glycemic foods, reduced
carbohydrates, and a modified Mediterranean diet. The carbohydrate content --
how we love those carbs! -- depends on the level of risk as indicated by blood
glucose levels. The month-long list of menus and meal options provided in the
book will help in adjusting to the kinds of foods that will encourage a
patient's body to use the protein and carbohydrates in the healthiest manner.
Among the practical advice in the book are suggestions on how to overcome
"Supermarket Roadblocks," and an exploration of the smoking/diabetes link. The
authors also explode common myths that prevent diabetic weight loss and
examine the link between diabetes, stress and weight loss.
About the Authors:
Frederic J. Vagnini, M.D., FACS. Unique among modern medical
practitioners, Dr. Vagnini, affectionately known as "Dr. V" to his patients
and hundreds of thousands of followers who tune in every Sunday to his
nationally syndicated radio program, receive his advisory emails, read his
books and listen to his podcasts. A board certified cardiovascular surgeon,
Dr. Vagnini has dedicated himself to helping people prevent age-related
diseases including diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and dementia through
nutrition, lifestyle counseling, fitness and health education.
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