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Author sees veganism diet as key to weight control

By VALERIE HERNANDEZ

of the Journal Sentinel staff

Last Updated: July 15, 2001

Many people lament that their weight is determined by genetics,

so there's nothing they can do about it.

 

The first part of that statement may be true. But according to

Neal Barnard, you can do something about your genes.

 

Barnard is a physician who founded a group called the Physicians

Committee for Responsible Medicine, which advocates a dietary

approach to health. He was in Milwaukee last week to promote his

latest book, " Turn Off the Fat Genes. " Barnard asserts that, to

some extent, we can use nutrition and exercise to control genes

relevant to weight gain.

 

" You can't excise these genes, but you can override them with

food, " said Barnard in an interview before a scheduled appearance

at the Milwaukee Public Library.

 

According to Barnard and his organization, veganism (a diet based

on beans, grains, fruits and vegetables, but no dairy or meat) is

the key. The absence of animal fat and the high fiber content

characterized by this diet help control genes crucial to appetite

control, fat storage, insulin resistance and fat burning.

 

Barnard added that eating this way also will help you dodge

cancer and Type II diabetes, as these diseases often occur

together.

 

Data from several studies support the contention that diet can

influence whether your genetics come into play. For example, the

impact of dietary changes can be observed in several immigrant

populations. For example, Barnard stated that the traditional

Japanese diet is low in fat, easy on the meat and devoid of

dairy. However, once Japanese people immigrate to the United

States, they often adopt the Western diet - and unwittingly, the

'diseases of affluence,' such as obesity.

 

" They had the same genes throughout their life. These genes were

dormant until they added that food to their systems, " Barnard

said. " Meat is not health food and cheese does cause problems. "

 

A plant-based diet may be nutritionally sound, perhaps even

life-saving. But is it realistic in a state where many still

worship the holy trinity of brats, cheese and beer?

 

Barnard thinks it is. For one thing, Americans often ate " things

like beans and bread " before industrialization facilitated

consumption of refined foods and made formerly expensive foods

such as meat more affordable. Additionally, he has observed that

many subjects in his studies transition fairly smoothly into a

vegan diet and actually find it difficult to resume eating fatty

foods.

 

Barnard mentioned a recent study he conducted at Georgetown

University that investigated weight loss in women consuming a

vegan diet vs. women consuming the American Heart Association's

Step 2 Diet (i.e., less than 30% of calories from fat and

predominantly white meat such as fish and chicken).

 

" We find that women didn't drop out from the vegan group, "

Barnard stated. " It's counterintuitive, because it's a Spartan

diet. But they love it! It tastes good, it's new. They're tired

of eating chicken. "

 

Furthermore, Barnard believes concerns about other public health

issues such as the " mad cow " and foot-and-mouth diseases will

make veganism more prevalent.

 

The signs are evident. Veggie options abound in mainstream

supermarkets. Barnard also noted that some Denny's restaurants

are offering soy-based Boca Burgers. Boca Burgers were stocked in

the White House kitchen during the administration of President

Clinton, fan of Le Big Mac.

 

" It's the wave of the future, " he declared.

 

 

 

Appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on July 16, 2001.