The FastDay Forum

In early March, hubby had a blood test which registered high cholesterol and fatty liver. He was told to come back in August to check this again.

These results gave him a bit of a scare because although he (and I) knew that we were both a bit overweight, and probably had two few days in the week without a couple of glasses of wine or a few beers, we felt it was ok because we are both healthy (for mid 50s), very rarely take days off work for any illnesses and have fairly active and busy lives.

So we decided to follow 5:2 and are both very happy with the slow but steady weight loss and generally feeling fitter and healthier.

Today hubby had the results of his repeat blood test and his GP was totally amazed at the improvement. All the levels have returned to well within the normal ranges and she doesn't want to see him again! She was very interested to hear about the 5:2 WOL and the only advice she gave him was not to lose too much more weight!

Now, I haven't had to have any blood tests so I don't have anything to compare in terms of before and after - but there is a very good chance that mine would have registered a difference too. I'm certainly delighted with the way things are going and will continue to follow the plan into maintenance (once I reach my goal weight) and would recommend it to anyone!

Well done to both of you, may this continue,

Ballerina x

I find this really interesting.
I work for the NHS screening men aged 65.
Many of them are overweight, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. And many of them are taking pills prescribed by their GPs for these conditions.
I read an article by Mark Porter in the Times on tuesday asking whether health screens are worthwhile (not the type I do - I screen for aneurysms rather than the general wellness screens you get at the GP).
He suggested that people with just slightly above normal readings for blood pressure and cholesterol are handed out pills to treat it but that all pills have side effects and that it would be better for all these people to just make lifestyle changes instead.
I agree!
I have seen lots of men in my clinic this morning and at least 75% of them told me they wanted to lose weight. So I have recommended this diet!!
What do you think? Should all GPs prescribe 5-2 rather than pills?

yes, and the NHS should start their own 5:2 research based on their nursing staff...