Weight loss of 5% can result in improvements in both fasting glucose and cholesterol.
Fact

A weight loss of 5% can result in improvements in both fasting glucose and cholesterol, while 10% or approximately two BMI untis, may normalise glucose levels in many subjects.

I am hypoglycaemic, so I should eat sugary foods
Myth

Eating sugar results in an excessive output of insulin, with a consequent 'overswing' and excessive drop in blood sugar, i.e. futher hypoglycemia. The best way to deal with an unstable blood sugar in the non diabetic is to eat a snack of protein and fat between meals e.g. nuts, cheese, seeds and three daily meals with a proper balance of protein, fat and unrefined carbohydrate. Sugars, sweets, white flour products and cooldrinks should be avoided completely.

The less I eat the more weight I will lose.
Myth

If you are always hungry, the body translates this as famine, and reduces its energy output accordingly. It is better to eat a balanced, healthy diet containing plenty of bulk, in order to lose weight safely.

All fats are bad
Myth

Certain fats are essential to our health. These are called essential fatty acids, and fall into two groups, Omega-3 and -6. The first are found in cold water sea fish e.g. salmon, herring, tuna, nuts, soya, beans, flaxseed and canola oil. Omega-6 are found in whole grain seeds, egg yolk, and green leafy vegetables. There is also an Omega-9 fatty acid, which is found in nuts and seeds and their oils, as well as in olive oil. Unlike the first two, it is not essential in the diet. The above are polyunsaturated fats, and are liquid at room temperature. Saturated fats such as fats found in meats and dairy products are not essential, as the body is able to manufacture what it needs.

I should always eat low fat or fat free foods
Myth

Certain fats are essential to the body. Additionally, reduced fat foods ususally have their fat replaced with sugar, resulting in higher carbohydrate content, which can lead to raised blood glucose and thus insulin levels, particularly in the overweight, who already have a tendency to these problems.

SureSlim's Quick Loss Programme causes calcium deficiency
Myth

The SureSlim Quick Loss Programme includes dairy products, green vegetables, nuts and sardines - all recognised sources of dietary calcium. Clients who do not eat dairy products and those with extra calcium needs are advised to take a calcium supplement, available from the clinics.

Short-term increased dietary protein causes renal damage
Myth

There is no concrete evidence that short-term increased dietary protein causes renal damage in the normal kidney. SureSlim clients wiht any abnormalities of renal function in their blood screen, or a history of significant renal disease, are give a programme containing 60% carbohydrate. All clients will abnormal renal function in their blood tests are followed up closely, and if there is any deterioration, the programme is modified by increasing the carbohydrate percentage.

Weight gain is only as a direct result of overeating.
Myth

Any kind of stress or trauma such as financial problems, the death of a loved one, a car accident or operation can set off a Cortisol release, upsetting other hormones, causing you to gain weight.

Stress makes you fat
Fact

Stress increases the output of adrenaline and cortisone, resulting in abdominal fat accumulation, the type that is now know to predispose to heart disease.

It's my hormones
Fact

Possibly true! There is no doubt that some hormone preparations can cause weight gain. This however, is due to appetite stimulation, and can be controlled by careful food choices, avoiding refined carbohydrates. Thyroid abnormalities result in weight gain per se, and if this is suspected, a blood test should be done via your GP.

Obesity is a serious medical condition which can lead to a range of life threatening diseases
Fact

Obesity can lead to a range of life threatening diseases such as diabetes (80% of type 2 diabetics are overweight), heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, certain kinds of cancer, gall bladder disease and hiatius hernias. How to reduce your risk of developing these associated diseases: 1. A weight loss of less than 5kgs decreases your risk of developing Diabetes with 50%. 2. A weight loss of less that 9kgs decreases your risk of developing heart problems by 25%.

SureSlim does not promote exercise.
Myth

All SureSlim clients are encouraged to walk for between 15 & 20 minutes at least every second day whilst following the Quick Loss Programme. For those clients who follow a regular, strenuous exercise regime, there is the SureSlim Sportsperson’s programme.

Waist circumference is a measure of your risk of developing chronic diseases of lifestyle
Fact

Waist circumference is a measure of your risk of developing chronic diseases of lifestyle, independent of obesity. MEN: Men with a waist circumference of between 94 & 102cm are at moderate risk, while men with a waist circumference of >102 are at high risk. WOMEN: Women with a waist circumference of between 80 & 88cm are at moderate risk, while women with a waist circumference of >88cm are at high risk.

Everyone gains weight with age
Myth

People gain weight with age simply because they become less active. Weight gain with advancing years can be disadvantageous as it both predisposes to osteoarthritis and high blood pressure, and worsens a pre-existing condition.

A weight loss of just 9kgs in women reduces total mortality by 20%
Fact

A weight loss of just 9kgs in women reduces total mortality by 20%. It also: * reduces obesity related cancers, e.g. breast, bowel by 40 - 50% * reduces diabetes related deaths by 30 - 40%.

It's puppy fat
Myth

Perhaps, but dangerous. Childhood obesity is on the increase worldwide, and is now regarded as epidemic. "Puppy fat" should not be shrugged off, as the child is in danger of developing serious health problems more commonly associated with adults, such as Diabetes type 2, and all its complications.

SureSlim’s Eating Plan is a high protein diet.
Myth

SureSlim’s Eating Plan is not a high protein diet, but is in fact a balanced Eating Plan. The SureSlim Quick Loss Eating Plan is relatively low in starch, or carbohydrate, as we believe that a high intake of refined carbohydrate is responsible for many peoples’ weight problems. Unlike some very low carbohydrate diets, we also advise a low fat intake whilst on Quick Loss. Once goal weight is reached, we teach clients to make healthy choices of unrefined carbohydrates such as fruit and vegetables, along with the healthier unsaturated forms of fats like olive or sunflower oil. Clients are also taught how to combine these choices with an exercise programme, in order to maintain their weight loss for life.

Margarine is better for me than butter
Myth

Margarine contains trans-fatty acids which means they have been through a process of hydrogenation. This blocks the body's ability to use healthy polyunsaturated fats. The best alternative to butter is olive oil.

Weight loss increases life expectancy
Fact

For every 1kg of weight loss, life expectancy is increased by 3 - 4 months.