Watch that wineglass – and that waistline
The female form is often described as being apple or pear-shaped, but according to dietitians, as more and more women drink increasing amounts of alcohol, wine glass-shaped may be a more apt description.
And this week’s report on the health of the population of Northern Ireland by the Chief Medical Officer, reveals that 33 per cent of women and 43 per cent of men here currently binge drink. The definition of binge drinking is exceeding seven units of alcohol in any one session.
As well as the harm that is done to liver, kidney and brain by over indulgence, there is an increased risk of stroke and an implication for body weight.
Alcohol is nearly as calorific as fat (7kcal vs 9kcal per gram), so it’s easy for the calories to add up. And with one pound of fat containing 3,500 calories, losing one pound of weight per week means cutting back at least 500 calories a day or in alcohol terms, by three glasses (175ml) of wine.
Jacqui Lowdon, registered dietitian and spokesperson, said:
“Many women forget to include alcohol when they are dieting. However, alcohol is a huge source of hidden calories and with women increasingly drinking more alcohol, this is another reason not to exceed the recommended maximum of two to three units per day.
“We know that waistlines are getting bigger, especially around the midriff and the women’s shape is more akin to a wine glass than an apple or pear. So if people are watching their waistline, then watch that wine glass!”
The British Dietetic Association discussed the nation’s growing waistline, as well as other nutrition problems, last week at their annual conference in Liverpool. Dietetic experts working in industry, academia and the NHS debated the latest issues, including reviewing what is being done to address the issue of malnutrition in the UK, as well as understanding how dietitians will help British athletes go for gold at this summer’s Olympics and Paralympics in Beijing.
Pauline Douglas, honorary chairman of the British Dietetic Association, said: “With food and nutrition moving up the Government’s agenda, dietitians will increasingly play a crucial role in improving the health and quality of life of the people in the UK.
“However, dietitians are facing a number of challenges from the rise of inappropriately qualified nutritional therapists to the current shortfall in nutrition and dietetic services.”
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Friday 25 May 2012
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