Being overweight is a disease. This disease is caused by overconsumption of low quality foods containing refined sugars, particularly fructose, refined starches and modified fats such as hydrogenated and trans fatty acids. These foods cause serious metabolic aberrations that produce a condition known as the metabolic syndrome. The underlying pathology of being overweight is one of an insulin resistant state. However, nutritional studies show it is possible to reverse this state through the eating of high quality unrefined foods which simultaneously avoiding the foods that drive the underlying metabolic aberrations. However, in order for such as strategy to work, it must be acknowledged by the individual that such a problem exists and this requires the individual to be honest with themselves and with any nutritionist they are working with. However, studies show that reporting of food intake in food diaries in research settings are not accurate, and many individuals underreport their food intake.
Studies show that food diaries can be inaccurate due to the underreporting of energy intake.
For example in one study researchers assessed the accuracy of reported energy intakes in two groups of adolescent. The researchers then measured the actual energy intake using a doubly labelled water method. The results of the study showed that those individuals with the highest body mass index (BMI), were more likely to underreport their energy intake compared to those with the lowest body mass index. In addition, some evidence suggested that those who underreported their food intake had a blunted neural response to food as measured by activity in certain parts of the brain responsible for anticipatory palatability. Being male was also associated with underreporting of energy intake. The results from this study support previous finding that show that food diaries are inherently problematic because their validity is questionable on account of their subjective inaccuracies. Those who wish to lose weight and who are overweight should therefore pay extra care when filling in food diaries of energy intakes.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy and Protect Yourself
RdB
