Diet & Nutrition

Ladies, whether you are slim or not-so-slim:

Do you recognise any of the following symptoms?

Increased weight around your middle
Difficulty losing weight compared to the past
Increased desire for carbohydrates (sugary and/or starchy foods)
Hunger
Light-headedness, dizziness, feeling spaced-out, shakiness
Tiredness, lethargy, exhaustion
Hair where you don't want it and not where you do!
Spotty skin
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), bloating etc.

If you do experience any of the above then you may have a condition know as insulin resistance, (which is often termed pre-diabetes). For younger women this may be in conjunction with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Insulin resistance can lead to a number of serious health conditions including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease and breast cancer. In younger women it can also impact on your fertility and may lead to miscarriage. See the diet page on our fertility website for more information.

If so we're here to help you!

How can a dietician help me?

We have shown that by following a higher protein low glycaemic load (GL) way of eating can help control your insulin levels and significantly improve your symptoms:

Herriot, A.M., & Whitcroft, S. Jeanes, Y. (2008) An retrospective audit of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: the effects of a reduced glycaemic load diet . J. Hum. Nutr. Diet. 21, 337-345

To read more download a PDF of the above paper

We have been able to reduce and/or redistribute weight away from the central region (reduce waist/stomach). Central weight deposition is known to be detrimental to health putting you at increased risk of conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes:

Herriot, A.M., & Whitcroft, S. Jeanes, Y. (2009) A low glycaemic load diet reduces risk factors for the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes in lean and overweight menopausal women and women with polycystic ovary syndrome . J. Hum. Nutr. Diet. 22, 595

To read more download a PDF of the above poster presentation

Our unique approach at the Surrey Park Clinic suits both the slim and the not-so-slim.

What happens when I book an appointment?

Your initial package includes two consultations the first lasting up to 90 minutes and a follow up lasting up to 30 minutes.

During the first consultation medical history, symptoms and measurements e.g. waist circumference will be ascertained. Your current food choices and meal pattern will be assessed and dietary changes discussed. All dietary advice is individualised taking into account your likes, dislikes and lifestyle. Written information will also be provided.

During the second consultation (usually after 2 months) we will assess your progress, monitor your measurements and suggest further dietary changes as necessary.

Further consultations will be arranged if required.