Q – Dr. Peñafiel, what is the secret to losing weight?

A – Just one: to have a good reason to do it.

Q – And what is a good reason?

A – The best of all: to like yourself. Now let’s look at some other reasons.

Q – The Atkins diet?

A – The diet of the Dr. Atkins authorizes one to eat only proteins and fat, and to avoid sugars and milk products. It is dangerous. In United States they have baptized it as a passport to a heart attack.

Q – The Mayo Clinic diet?

A – The Mayo Clinic, in Minnesota, is a very prestigious medical center. The diet denominated this way has nothing to do with the clinic. It contains an excess of eggs. Therefore it can increase cholesterol.

Q – The Scarsdale diet? 

A – It is a hyper proteic diet, that is to say rich in proteins (lean meats, shellfish, etc.) and poor in sugars and fats. It is not bad, but it should not be abused without medical control: fifteen days as a maximum (lack of carbohydrates that give us the necessary energy).

Q – What about amphetamines?

A – They alter the nervous system creating excitability, addiction, and later, depression.

Q – Diuretics?

A – They make you urinate, which means, loss of water but not of fat.

Q – Thyroid Extracts?

A – They fuse the muscles, not the fat. They cause anguish, insomnia, and depression.

Q – “Magic” pills, “miraculous” products, etc.?

A – There is nothing else. Or they are not very effective substances in themselves, or in combination with the previous ones. It is necessary to be very cautious with them.

Q – Then what is a good diet regime?

A - Like we said, good motivation – and a medical expert.

Q – The formula of the ideal weight according to the height?

A – There are many, but not any good ones. Height is only a data. The appropriate weight depends on many factors.

Q – Should we lose a lot or a little?

A – Rather to lose slowly: 500 to 1000 grams per week. And to not be obsessed: to be weighed only once a day, not during the first days of menstruation (retention of water), at the same hour, on the same scale, with the same clothes.

Q – Should we eat many or a few times a day?

A – You should eat at least 3 times a day. And slowly: the stomach takes 20 minutes in sending the message to the brain that it is satisfied.

Q – And to drink?

A – It’s indispensable; at least a liter and half a day. Water, juices, teas, light drinks. The juice of lemons or of vegetables prevents constipation.

Q – This week a new surgical intervention has been discussed that consists of extracting part of the intestine to lose weight. Can you tell us about it?

A – That procedure was described more than 25 years ago. It was disregarded because it is dangerous. It resulted in death in several cases by causing the inability to digest.

Q – And once we have lost weight, how can we keep it off?

A – With a positive, very optimistic attitude – a new appearance motivates one stay thin. Visit your hairdresser or beautician or buy some new clothes. Practice some form of physical exercise regularly, even if it’s only light exercise, such as walking. Socialize with old or new friends. Discover new activities in the city, the country, or on the beach. In summary, to live.