Source: mylondon.news
A quarter of men are unaware that obesity is the leading cause of type 2 diabetes with instances of the condition reaching epidemic proportions.
Latest alarming obesity statistics show two-thirds of the UK’s male population are overweight or obese. A key issue is men feel less able to openly discuss their weight and, in doing so, receive the right support.
World Diabetes Day is taking place on November 14 and there is a call for greater transparency between the health condition and weight, while also putting an end to the shame surrounding dieting.
The research, commissioned by The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan, claims 33 per cent of British males still believe there is a stigma attached to men being on a diet.
The study follows a trial, led by experts at the University of Glasgow and the University of Newcastle , that revealed more than a third (36 per cent) of people with type 2 diabetes, who took part in a dietician-led weight management programme, are in remission two years later.
Diabetes specialist Professor Michael Lean said: “It has proved that type 2 diabetes can be put into remission for two years for two-thirds of people, if they can lose at least 10 kilos.
“That is life-changing, and incredibly exciting for the medical profession. The trial was particularly successful for men, who tended to lose a little more weight than women, and had more remissions. I would like people with type 2 diabetes now to look forward to World No-Diabetes Day.”
Despite the proven success of men, the survey found while more than half of the male population of Britain are on a diet (55 per cent), more than a third (32 per cent) try to keep it a secret.
Chris McDermott, managing director at The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan, added: “ No one should be ashamed of dieting and wanting to adopt a better lifestyle for the sake of their health. We want to encourage everyone, especially men, to break the stigma when it can have such a positive effect in the long-term.
“The fact so many Brits are unaware of the links between obesity and type 2 diabetes is evidence that further education and support is needed.”
Father-of-two Joe Paterson, 56, was in denial about his obesity for years, but has now managed to reverse his type 2 diabetes after losing five stones on The 1:1 Diet.
He said: “The biggest achievement in losing five stone has been reversing my diabetes. It was such a relief knowing I was going to see my two girls grow up, be able to walk them proudly down the aisle and spend the rest of my life with my wife, Helen, without my condition hanging over my head.