Many people led to believe they have a food allergy or intolerance are being misdiagnosed, say nutritional experts. The British Nutrition Foundation says that one in five Britons now thinks they have some kind of intolerance or allergy.
Many, it says, have been told that this is the root of health problems such as spots, upset stomachs, weight gain and headaches.
Intolerance to wheat or dairy products is a frequent diagnosis – and sufferers are often told to cut these from their diets to reduce symptoms.
Food Allergies/Intolerances – Not Cause of Weight Gain
We are very concerned that the people seem to be using food allergies and intolerance as an excuse for weight gain However, the foundation says that in truth, only a fraction of these actually have any sort of allergic or intolerant reaction to food types. It has examined a series of worldwide studies conducted into food allergies.
These, it says, point to fewer than 1 percent of adults having a full-blown, potentially life-threatening food allergy. Fewer than 2 percent, it says, have a milder food intolerance.
Food Intolerance – Trendy
Dr Sarah Schenker, a nutrition scientist for the foundation, said: “About 20 percent of the UK population perceive themselves to have an intolerance or allergy to food. “It seems like the trendy thing to do now.
“We are very concerned that the people seem to be using food allergies and intolerance as an excuse for weight gain rather than cutting down on food and doing more exercise.”
She said that many so-called allergy “experts” were charging patients large sums of money for tests with little or no scientific validity – and might even be giving potentially dangerous diet advice. If people are told to cut a lot of food out of their diet, they can lose the overall balance of the diet and that is no good.”
She said that a true wheat allergy would certainly not result in weight gain – chronic diarrhoea would be more likely to be the outcome.
For Lasting Weight Control
If you want to lose weight for life, follow Anne Collins Weight Loss Program. It’s PACKED with easy menus, “brilliant” weight loss tips, plus information on exercise and diet nutrition. The BEST VALUE weight loss diet program on the Net!
Return to Weight Loss Articles
