Latest news with #FranklinJoseph
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I'm a weight loss doctor, these low-fat foods are quietly fuelling belly fat'
Fat-free yoghurts and low-fat ready meals are among the popular products many people reach for when trying to slim down A weight loss doctor has cautioned that numerous 'low-fat' products could be "quietly" driving belly fat - despite being promoted as diet-friendly. From fat-free yoghurts to low-fat ready meals and sauces, thousands of Brits attempting to shed pounds are opting for items branded as healthier alternatives. However, a leading expert warns that eliminating fat entirely could prove counterproductive - particularly when it comes to addressing persistent weight around the midsection. Professor Franklin Joseph, head of Dr Frank's Weight Loss Clinic, explains that many of these supposed slimming products are heavily processed and crammed with sugar and starch. "Just because it says 'low-fat' doesn't mean it's good for weight loss," he said. "These foods often strip out the fat but pack in sugar, gums and additives - and that combination can actually drive hunger and fat gain. "Your body needs fat for hormone regulation and satiety. Take it away and replace it with sugar, and you've got the perfect storm for increased cravings - especially around the waistline." Fat-free - but not healthy? Numerous popular "diet" products depend on components like maltodextrin, glucose syrup or modified starches to preserve flavour and consistency - yet this can trigger blood sugar and insulin spikes, promoting fat accumulation around the abdomen. As ultra low-fat, high-carb diets are making a comeback on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube, including the recent surge of so-called "sugar diets", Prof Joseph warns that individuals might be inadvertently hindering their fat loss. "It's a trap we've seen for decades - low-fat food that ends up making people hungrier," he said. "Now we're seeing a resurgence of sugar-heavy, fat-free diets being pushed online - but the science doesn't support long-term success. "These trends can be misleading. They sound clean and simple, but they often promote foods that don't fill you up and don't support metabolic health." The clever alternatives Rather than shunning all fats, Prof Joseph recommends incorporating small quantities of healthy fats from foods such as olive oil, seeds, avocado and nuts - along with high-fibre carbs and lean protein. "Healthy fats can actually reduce cravings, regulate blood sugar and help you feel full," he said. "That's far more effective than snacking on fat-free yoghurts or low-fat cereal bars all day. "It's not about banning foods - it's about recognising that real, minimally processed meals are better than ultra-processed products with a diet label."
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
The 3 ‘healthy' summer foods secretly stalling your weight loss – as doctor warns think twice
A WEIGHT LOSS doctor has revealed three so-called 'slimming' staples that could secretly be causing you to pile on the pounds this summer. While they may seem like safe options, they're often loaded with hidden sugars, fats or calories - and could be the real reason your weight loss has stalled. Advertisement 2 It's important to understand how certain foods could derail your weight loss goals, said Prof Joseph Credit: Getty Losing weight in summer may seem easier with an abundance of healthy fresh fruits and vegetables available. And warmer weather tends to come with a need for less calories. But according to Professor Franklin Joseph, consultant physician and head of 'It's not about cutting out everything,' he said, 'but understanding how certain foods - even the ones marketed as healthy - can quietly derail your goals.' Advertisement Read more on weight loss 1. Smoothie bowls While smoothie bowls are colourful, Instagram-friendly and often topped with fruit, seeds and granola, they can contain more calories than a full English breakfast, warned Prof Joseph. He said: 'People forget that blended fruit removes the fibre that slows down sugar absorption. "Then you add sweet toppings like honey, nut butter and granola - and suddenly you've got a 600 to 800 calorie breakfast that leaves you hungry an hour later.' Instead, he recommends whole fruits with a protein source like Greek yoghurt or a small handful of nuts to Advertisement Most read in Diet & Nutrition Latest Exclusive 2. Shop-bought iced coffees Iced coffees may seem like a light treat, but may sold in supermarkets and cafes are loaded with syrups, cream and full-fat milk. "Some contain more sugar than a can of coke,' said Prof Joseph. Nutrionist hacks that make healthy eating easy And even drinks labelled as 'skinny' can contain additives or sweeteners that trigger cravings and increase hunger later in the day, he added. 'If you're watching your weight, go for black iced coffee with a splash of milk - or make your own at home so you know exactly what's in it.' Advertisement 3. Creamy summer salads 2 Salads swimming in creamy dressings could pack unwanted calories Credit: Getty Salads may sounds like the perfect with loss choice, but the devil's in the dressing, Prof Joseph said. He explained: 'Coleslaw, potato salad and pasta salad are BBQ staples, but they're often swimming in mayonnaise or creamy sauces that are high in fat and calories. "Even a small serving can pack in more than 200 calories without offering much in terms of fibre or protein.' Advertisement He suggests swapping creamy dressings for lighter options like lemon juice, balsamic vinegar or olive oil with herbs - and bulking salads out with grilled veg, beans or lean protein to stay satisfied. Think twice before you tuck in Prof Joseph said summer brings more casual eating - from BBQs to picnics and iced drinks on the go - and it's easy to underestimate the hidden calories. These foods aren't 'bad', but they can quietly add up if you're trying to lose weight, he advised. He added: 'Being a bit more mindful - whether that's skipping a creamy salad, making your own iced coffee or choosing whole fruit over a smoothie bowl - can make a big difference over time." Advertisement The 5 best exercises to lose weight By Lucy Gornall, personal trainer and health journalist EXERCISE can be intimidating and hard to devote yourself to. So how do you find the right workout for you? As a PT and fitness journalist, I've tried everything. I've taken part in endless fitness competitions, marathons and I maintain a regime of runs, strength training and Pilates. Fitness is so entrenched in my life, I stick to it even at Christmas! The key is finding an activity you love that can become a habit. My top five forms of exercise, especially if you're trying to lose weight, are: Walking Running Pilates High-intensity interval training (HIIT) Strength training
The Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
The 3 ‘healthy' summer foods secretly stalling your weight loss – as doctor warns think twice
A WEIGHT LOSS doctor has revealed three so-called 'slimming' staples that could secretly be causing you to pile on the pounds this summer. While they may seem like safe options, they're often loaded with hidden sugars, fats or calories - and could be the real reason your weight loss has stalled. Losing weight in summer may seem easier with an abundance of healthy fresh fruits and vegetables available. And warmer weather tends to come with a need for less calories. But according to Professor Franklin Joseph, consultant physician and head of Dr Frank's Weight Loss Clinic, many Brits fall into the 'healthy halo' trap - as seemingly "healthy" summer foods" may be doing more harm than good. 'It's not about cutting out everything,' he said, 'but understanding how certain foods - even the ones marketed as healthy - can quietly derail your goals.' 1. Smoothie bowls While smoothie bowls are colourful, Instagram -friendly and often topped with fruit, seeds and granola, they can contain more calories than a full English breakfast, warned Prof Joseph. He said: 'People forget that blended fruit removes the fibre that slows down sugar absorption. "Then you add sweet toppings like honey, nut butter and granola - and suddenly you've got a 600 to 800 calorie breakfast that leaves you hungry an hour later.' Instead, he recommends whole fruits with a protein source like Greek yoghurt or a small handful of nuts to stay fuller for longer. 2. Shop-bought iced coffees Iced coffees may seem like a light treat, but may sold in supermarkets and cafes are loaded with syrups, cream and full-fat milk. "Some contain more sugar than a can of coke,' said Prof Joseph. Nutrionist hacks that make healthy eating easy And even drinks labelled as 'skinny' can contain additives or sweeteners that trigger cravings and increase hunger later in the day, he added. 'If you're watching your weight, go for black iced coffee with a splash of milk - or make your own at home so you know exactly what's in it.' 3. Creamy summer salads 2 Salads may sounds like the perfect with loss choice, but the devil's in the dressing, Prof Joseph said. He explained: 'Coleslaw, potato salad and pasta salad are BBQ staples, but they're often swimming in mayonnaise or creamy sauces that are high in fat and calories. "Even a small serving can pack in more than 200 calories without offering much in terms of fibre or protein.' He suggests swapping creamy dressings for lighter options like lemon juice, balsamic vinegar or olive oil with herbs - and bulking salads out with grilled veg, beans or lean protein to stay satisfied. Think twice before you tuck in Prof Joseph said summer brings more casual eating - from BBQs to picnics and iced drinks on the go - and it's easy to underestimate the hidden calories. These foods aren't 'bad', but they can quietly add up if you're trying to lose weight, he advised. He added: 'Being a bit more mindful - whether that's skipping a creamy salad, making your own iced coffee or choosing whole fruit over a smoothie bowl - can make a big difference over time." By Lucy Gornall, personal trainer and health journalist EXERCISE can be intimidating and hard to devote yourself to. So how do you find the right workout for you? As a PT and fitness journalist, I've tried everything. I've taken part in endless fitness competitions, marathons and I maintain a regime of runs, strength training and Pilates. Fitness is so entrenched in my life, I stick to it even at Christmas! The key is finding an activity you love that can become a habit. My top five forms of exercise, especially if you're trying to lose weight, are: Walking Running Pilates High-intensity interval training (HIIT) Strength training
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Urgent warning over fatal lung disease spread through contaminated water in taps, showers, hosepipes and hot tubs
The infection spreads when people breathe in tiny droplets of contaminated water WATER THREAT Urgent warning over fatal lung disease spread through contaminated water in taps, showers, hosepipes and hot tubs Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITS are being urged to take precautions against a potentially deadly lung infection that spreads more during the summer months. Legionnaires' disease is caused by bacteria found in water supplies that haven't been used much, such as taps, showers, hosepipes, and hot tubs. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Legionella bacteria can lurk in stagnant water in hosepipes Credit: Getty 4 Taps that haven't been used in a while can harbour the bacteria Credit: Getty 4 The bug attacks the lungs, causing inflammation and severe pneumonia Credit: Getty 'This is because warm, stagnant water is the perfect breeding ground for Legionella bacteria,' Professor Franklin Joseph, a consultant physician, told Sun Health. 'And unfortunately, that's exactly what happens in summer," he added. He said: 'Air conditioning units, garden hoses, sprinkler systems, and even hotel showers that haven't been used for a while can all pose a risk when temperatures rise.' In the UK, there are around 300 to 500 reported cases each year, with about half linked to travel abroad, according to uRisk Safety Services, a water testing company. Last month, Donna Jobling, 57, was left in a coma, fighting for her life after catching the bug while on an all-inclusive holiday in Greece. The infection spreads when people breathe in tiny droplets of contaminated water. 'That could be from a misting fan, a spa pool, or an air-con system that hasn't been cleaned properly," Dr Frank, who is also head of Dr Frank's Clinic, said. It's often linked to hotels, gyms and even office buildings,' he added. You can't catch Legionnaires' disease by drinking infected water or from another person. Once the bacteria is inhaled, it can take up to 10 days for symptoms to appear, and they often resemble a bad case of flu at first. Dad-of-two placed into coma after Turkey holiday as chef, 55, 'caught rare disease from dirty 4-star hotel' After a couple of days, these symptoms progress to pneumonia, a dangerous lung infection. "The bacteria inflame the lungs, making it hard to breathe and get enough oxygen into the body," Dr Frank explained. "In vulnerable people. like the elderly, smokers or those with weak immune systems, it can trigger respiratory failure, sepsis and even death if not caught in time," he added. "Even healthy people can become dangerously ill if treatment is delayed.' In the US — which collects extensive data on Legionnaires' disease — over 95 per cent of diagnosed cases in 2014 and 2015 resulted in hospitalisation, according to the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC). And while the disease is treatable with antibiotics, about one in eight died from their infection, the health body said. The best way to prevent illness this summer is to keep water systems clean with regular flushing, especially after they've been unused for a while. "If you've been away, run taps and showers for a few minutes before using them," Dr Frank said. "Clean out air-con filters and garden hoses, and avoid using misting fans or hot tubs in places that look poorly maintained. "If something smells musty or 'off', trust your instincts and steer clear. "Prevention is always better than cure with Legionnaires." 4 Hot tubs are a common source of Legionnaires' disease if not properly cleaned and maintained Credit: Getty
The Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Urgent warning over fatal lung disease spread through contaminated water in taps, showers, hosepipes and hot tubs
BRITS are being urged to take precautions against a potentially deadly lung infection that spreads more during the summer months. Legionnaires' disease is caused by bacteria found in water supplies that haven't been used much, such as taps, showers, hosepipes, and hot tubs. 4 4 4 'This is because warm, stagnant water is the perfect breeding ground for Legionella bacteria,' Professor Franklin Joseph, a consultant physician, told Sun Health. 'And unfortunately, that's exactly what happens in summer," he added. He said: 'Air conditioning units, garden hoses, sprinkler systems, and even hotel showers that haven't been used for a while can all pose a risk when temperatures rise.' In the UK, there are around 300 to 500 reported cases each year, with about half linked to travel abroad, according to uRisk Safety Services, a water testing company. Last month, Donna Jobling, 57, was left in a coma, fighting for her life after catching the bug while on an all-inclusive holiday in Greece. The infection spreads when people breathe in tiny droplets of contaminated water. 'That could be from a misting fan, a spa pool, or an air-con system that hasn't been cleaned properly," Dr Frank, who is also head of Dr Frank's Clinic, said. It's often linked to hotels, gyms and even office buildings,' he added. You can't catch Legionnaires' disease by drinking infected water or from another person. Once the bacteria is inhaled, it can take up to 10 days for symptoms to appear, and they often resemble a bad case of flu at first. Dad-of-two placed into coma after Turkey holiday as chef, 55, 'caught rare disease from dirty 4-star hotel' After a couple of days, these symptoms progress to pneumonia, a dangerous lung infection. "The bacteria inflame the lungs, making it hard to breathe and get enough oxygen into the body," Dr Frank explained. "In vulnerable people. like the elderly, smokers or those with weak immune systems, it can trigger respiratory failure, sepsis and even death if not caught in time," he added. "Even healthy people can become dangerously ill if treatment is delayed.' In the US — which collects extensive data on Legionnaires' disease — over 95 per cent of diagnosed cases in 2014 and 2015 resulted in hospitalisation, according to the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC). And while the disease is treatable with antibiotics, about one in eight died from their infection, the health body said. The best way to prevent illness this summer is to keep water systems clean with regular flushing, especially after they've been unused for a while. "If you've been away, run taps and showers for a few minutes before using them," Dr Frank said. "Clean out air-con filters and garden hoses, and avoid using misting fans or hot tubs in places that look poorly maintained. "If something smells musty or 'off', trust your instincts and steer clear. "Prevention is always better than cure with Legionnaires."
