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Allergy, diet and weight loss help and exercise advice for those who need it

OUR EXPERIENCE WITH ALLERGIES
Both of us at PlusSize.co.uk have had food related health problems. We had what we now know were allergic symptoms. Diane was suffering from frequent bloatedness, severe fluid retention leading to increased weight, some swelling, tiredness, ( black rings under eyes ) eczema type skin flare-ups, joint pains and occasional stomach cramps, bowel spasms and diahorrea.
In my case I had severe problems with phlegm and mucus. Although I don't smoke, I'd wake up with a 'smoker's cough' and have to spend several minutes of coughing and spitting. I was filling 2 handkerchiefs during the day, everyday, between phlegm, spits and nasal discharge.
In Nov.2006, following advice from a friend, Diane did the "foodscan" YORKTEST for 113 foods. It's a simple prick-your-finger to get a drop of blood test, so it's easy to do. 2 weeks after sending away the blood sample her results came back showing severe allergies to Yeast, Eggs, Blackcurrant and a mild allergy to Wheat gluten and Dairy. Cutting out these products was very hard, especially for a bread lover.

INSTANT IMPROVEMENT
But the improvement was near instant. No more joint pain, improved sleep, increased energy and an end to all bowel trouble. The eczema cleared up when she changed to an egg and yeast-free shampoo. York give you 2 free telephone consultations with a nutritionist doctor who advises on Diet alternatives, and these proved excellent. York also now have recipe and cook books for those avoiding the most common types of allergy triggering foods, which you can buy online.

In late Jan.07 I did the York Test (following Diane's results). The results showed that I was mildly allergic to Pork, and severely allergic to Dairy products. I cut these from my diet and my symptoms have disappeared - cough, phlegm, snots - the lot. The only down-side is that you must stick with their recommendations to keep improved health.
As it has really worked for us, we both recommend the York foodscan Test to friends. Recently saw that York Labs have also tests for Multiple Allergies , IBS, ( irritable bowel ), Homocysteine ( the most important predictor of Heart Attack risk ) and Liver health
You can check out York for yourself from the links we have above.

Fat Attack is a unique and highly effective weight loss weekend designed to help you fight FAT and get FIT. The only residential week end boot camp in the UK, it is run with the aim to 'GET YOU INTO THE BEST SHAPE OF YOUR LIFE'. The programme is quite intensive.

Are you really overweight ? Check your Body Mass Index HERE

Weight Watchers has worked for millions who wanted to lose weight.
Now they have an online plan for those who don't like attending meetings.

Although we look for [ and link with ] sites which we believe could be useful to our viewers, advice on suitability for any diet or weight loss treatment should be sought from a fully qualified medical professional.

We tried Future-Slim. We registered for Free Weight Assessment by pretending to be a 5'4" man, age 76, weight 14st 2lb, with heart, diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol problems, whose doctor had told him to lose weight. We were phoned, at the time arranged by us, by one of their weight consultants, who outlined a very sensible long term weight loss programme after extensive questioning to determine patient suitability. We were impressed. They offer a full 30 day money back guarantee on any programme that you may buy if it isn't working for you. Online and phone back-up support.

Kelly Bliss is an internationally recognised worker for Health At Every Size (HAES) – healthy eating, fitness, and wellness for all sizes, INDEPENDENT OF WEIGHT. She is recognized in America by the National Institute of Health as a leader in plus size fitness and healthy lifestyle ( She herself is a plus size ). Her website also includes advice on most common weight related disorders, possible mental and social problems that relate to weight gain, and healthy eating patterns.

Shared Care is an extensive website portal with resources and advice for, and forums contributed by, those who use complementary therapies. eg this is their page on complementary therapy for weight loss and this page has advice for Big and Tall, Short and Small.

BUPA's healthy weight page

NetDoctor.co.uk's healthy weight loss page

International eating disorders centre { Bucks, uk }

Weight Concern

Channel 4's weight help page

3fatchicks.com one of the best diet and weight loss help sites we have found, with discussion and 'buddy' help forums.

GastricBypassFamily.com/ is the best site on the net for information and support for anyone who has to go through this surgery. They have a forum on Yahoo Groups where those concerned can ask questions and share experiences

Another support group is the Obesity Surgery Support Group

If you would like a link to your site with help for Larger people's needs, email using the Contact button located at the left of this page, using "Help links for Plus Sizes" as subject heading. Please don't send attachments with your first e-mail, our anti-spam eats them.

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