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Week Two: Lesley McKenzie
This week Dr Una revealed how three decades of fast living have affected 52-year-old Lesley McKenzie from London. Lesley is 5’ 3’’ and weighs 14 stone. Drinking alcohol is one her favourite past times and she describes herself as one of the original binge-drinkers.
Lesley may be enjoying life to the full now but she has a family history of liver disease and heart problems. Dr Una’s tests revealed that Lesley had are fatty deposits around her vital organs and the beginnings of liver disease. She could have as little as 13 years left on her body clock.
Then Tim Bean stepped in to knock Lesley into shape with a testing diet and exercise programme. After a good start in the gym and at the dinner table Lesley slips up on her 53rd birthday and hits the bar with gusto. Dr Una is very disappointed, but shocks her back on track by showing her the amount of sugar she consumes in alcohol on an average night out.
After eight weeks Lesley is in much better shape, and has added an impressive 16 years her body clock, taking her life expectancy to 81 years. She’s reduced her body fat and can complete 20 press-ups and crunches. Her waist size has dropped by 5 inches, reducing the risk of heart disease. The MRI scans show there’s less fat around her heart and liver and the blood tests indicate the liver is now functioning normally.
Lesley was thrilled. “My belly is not so big, my face looks younger and I’ve lost a couple of chins. If all that is achievable in eight weeks just think what a further eight weeks will do. I was very sceptical at first but it obviously works. If I can do it, anybody can.”
Tests And Tips From Episode Two
To test your brain function, close your eyes and extend your arms. Lift one foot from ground, and try to balance for three seconds. If you have difficulty balancing then your cerebellum may be affected.An apple-shaped torso can be an indication that you have fat around your heart. Measure your waist and if it is more than 35 inches for a woman or 40 inches for a man, then you have an increased risk of heart disease.
Flexibility indicates good muscle tone and condition. Sit on the floor with your legs straight in front of you and try to touch your toes. If you can reach between 0-10cm beyond your toes, then you have good to average flexibility.
Calorific content of alcoholic drinks:
Spirit with diet mixer = 52 calories per unit
Dry white wine = 83 calories per unit
Strong beer = 169 calories per unit
Spirit with diet mixer = 52 calories per unit
Dry white wine = 83 calories per unit
Strong beer = 169 calories per unit
You might also be surprised to hear these other interesting body facts...
Thanks to Preventicum, London Centre of Preventive Medicine, for providing medical services.
Thanks to Preventicum, London Centre of Preventive Medicine, for providing medical services.
