British Dietetic Association versus common-sense.

Every now and again you come across a situation so ludicrous, so stupid it makes your blood boil. I will give you a classic example. Hardly a day goes by when we are not informed in the media of the epidemics of obesity and the often, very often, link with type two diabetes, I was that man. I say was, because for over seven years I have controlled my weight and type two diabetes, by way of the correct diet for a person with chronic insulin resistance. Enough about me, nothing special about me, what I have done is being done by countless people all over the world. Let’s cut to the chase. The case of, in my opinion, a brilliant Medical Doctor and the lamentable attitude of the British Dietetic Association.

Dr Rangan Chatterjee is young, highly trained on the latest science, and highly motivated to help people to regain their health and fitness. He is the star of a new BBC television series Doctor In The House. Please keep in mind, he is not just some guy with a blog (although he does have an excellent site here) he is not some bloke flogging snake oil. I think many watching the programs must be in awe of the man, I certainly am. I should say at this point, I am highly biased, because for over seven years, I have promoted the correct diet and exercise, as weapons against obesity and type two diabetes.

Rangan clearly believes the same. Why use medication, very often ineffective, expensive and often coming with side effects, when getting off our butts, and dumping highly processed junk food, usually proves far more effective. Rangan has performed wonders for the people he has helped. One patient an overweight type two diabetic, reduced his HbA1c, (a blood test to measure average blood glucose levels over a three month period) markedly. The drop in highly dangerous BG levels, enabled the man to dump two of his diabetes medications. Fitness levels improved big time, the man also lost a huge amount of weight. Well, what more could you ask for. If that man stays on the plan, it is fair to say, years have probably been added to the man's life. If he stays on plan, he has a very good chance of avoiding the gruesome diabetic complications, so many diabetics end their lives early with.

So, what’s the deal here, what's the scoop, what’s the British Dietetic Association got to do with this you may be wondering. They are up in arms, they are making a lot of noise, the BDA is “alarmed by controversial and potentially dangerous advice in BBC’s ‘Doctor in the House” as can be read here. To be fair I can see the BDA’s point. When you have set yourselves up as the doyens of diabetes dietary knowledge, the oligarch’s of obesity advice, the last thing you want is some guy turning up rocking your slowly sinking boat. Especially a man who applies his obvious skills, his abundant common sense, his total professionalism, his clear passion for helping others. It does not take him long to realise, the main reason for the obesity with his patients, as we have seen, is a diet based on starchy carbs, sugar and highly processed junk food. Made by the sort of junk food outfits so many dietitians have taken money from, either directly or indirectly, the junk food payola system is vast.

With all due respect to Rangan, what he is doing is not rocket science, although he uses the latest science, to very clearly demonstrate the problems of his patients. And if the British Dietetic Association want my respect, they need to get their act together quickly. While high profile BDA dietitians are hanging around on twitter, rubbishing highly trained and respected medical professionals, they will continue to sink into the mire, the quagmire of outdated dogma, the abyss of failure. They should be applauding the medical professionals who are turning the lives of diabetics around, not issuing warnings and taking to social media. They should be learning from Doctors like Rangan Chatterjee not vilifying him and his kind.

One last point, the strap line for the BDA’s propaganda for some time has been “Trust A Dietitian” I can fully understand why, no rocket science required there. When the likes of Rangan Chatterjee walk around saying trust a Doctor, we will have reached the end of the line in the race to the bottom. Medical Doctors are amongst the most highly trusted and respected members of our society, when you watch Doctor Rangan Chatterjee at work, it is manifestly clear to see why.

Eddie