Travellers take on TV health challenge

Dublin People 07 Dec 2013
The Clondalkin Traveller Primary Health Care team with Paul Walsh, Patrick Holford and Anne Owens.

MEMBERS of a Travellers’ health group in Clondalkin are the stars of the latest episode of Doctors on Call that goes out on Wednesday, December 11.

Every week the RTE 1 show features a community challenge that tackles various health issues.

Episode 5 sees Paul Walsh visiting the Clondalkin Travellers Health Group along with super nutritionist Patrick Holford to see if a low GL diet can reduce the risk of getting Type 2 diabetes.

Under expert guidance the Clondalkin Travellers Primary Health Care team were challenged to take on a low GL diet for eight weeks to reduce their chances of developing the condition.

The group were already aware of the health implications of developing diabetes as two of them are currently living with the condition and managing it with daily medication.

Before the challenge their weight and body fat percentage was measured. The results showed that the ladies totalled 90 stones in weight, with 45 per cent of their weight body fat.

Patrick said this increased their chances of developing diabetes by at least 10 times.

“One’s body fat percentage should certainly be below 33 per cent, which would equate to a fraction of the risk for diabetes,

? he said.

“Our challenge was for them to lose one stone in eight weeks by following my low GL diet. This alone would halve their current risk of diabetes.

“However, that means losing six stone and reducing their body fat in eight weeks by 24 per cent.

Patrick’s low GL diet challenge included strength and aerobic exercises, while supplementing glucomannan fibre, chromium and cinnamon with each meal.

The Clondalkin Travellers Health Care team also attended weekly

‘Zest4Life’ support groups with nutritional therapist Anne Owens.

To see how they get on tune in on Wednesday, December 11 at 8.30pm.

Patrick added:

“If you have diabetes, and follow some guidelines, your need for medication may reduce.

“That’s why it’s vital to check with your doctor so they can advise you accordingly.

Patrick’s book

‘Say No to Diabetes’ explains how to phase in changes for Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes.

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