As the epidemic of obesity expands its reach, more and more people are paying attention to their body weight. But medical experts now recognise that body shape and composition are even more important than your body weight. As individuals we have our own unique shapes and we should recognise and appreciate that. But there is one area where the accumulation of excess fat is a medical disaster.

TRIM YOUR WAISTLINE

All the evidence points to excess body fat around the waist, what doctors call truncal obesity, as the most dangerous type of obesity. Men with a waist measurement greater than 39 inches, and women whose waists are more than 34 inches, have a 500 per cent increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, several cancers and a long list of other diseases.

A concentrated effort to trim the national waistline could empty half of Jamaica's hospital beds and dramatically reduce the pain and suffering created by the sicknesses listed above.

SHAPEWORKS

Shapeworks is the most scientifically sophisticated, yet easy-to-use plan designed to correct the problem of excess body fat.

It was developed by Dr. David Heber, director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Heber's book, The LA Shape Diet, lays out clearly both the science and the practical elements of this approach to weight control. The programme is based on four main concepts - the 4 Ps:

1) PERSONALISE YOUR PROGRAMME

In correcting obesity, one size does not fit all. Each body is unique in regard to lean body mass, body fat percentage and metabolic rate. We can now, with the appropriate equipment, easily measure these indices on anyone and use this information to create a customised weight management programme. Dr. Heber has developed a simple tool that allows these calculations to be done even over the telephone.

2) PLAN YOUR PROTEIN

Your lean body mass (non-fat weight) will tell you exactly the amount of protein you will need to consume each day in order to change your shape. The plan guides you in using healthy, convenient and economical protein foods to achieve your goal. Delicious soy protein-based shakes are provided to make it easy for you to personalise your protein intake. Dr. Heber has done extensive research to demonstrate that properly designed meal-replacement shakes are extremely safe and effective for weight loss.

3) PRIORITISE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Health authorities are now recommending that we consume larger amounts of fruit and vegetables than ever before. For optimal health, men should eat nine, and women seven servings of fruit and vegetables each day. Medical research continues to demonstrate that plants, especially fruits and vegetables, contain a large number of health-enhancing substances. In Shapeworks, fruit and vegetables are used creatively to facilitate healthy weight loss.

4) PROMOTE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE:

Shapeworks is not a quick-fix scheme. It is essential to incorporate healthy lifestyle practices into the programme. Particular attention should be paid to exercise and stress management as these will greatly facilitate weight control while enhancing overall health and well-being.

With this in mind, the programme has a built-in support system designed to provide all the necessary information, motivation and follow-up. Hundreds of Jamaican Shapeworks weight-loss consultants have been trained and are now working all across the island. You can call 979-3333 or 927-8871 for a free body analysis and weight-loss consultation or for information on how to contact a Shapeworks consultant near you.