Trudy Simpson, Staff Reporter
( before )Sandra Smith (right) weighs in during her initial assessment at the Tropical Metabolism Research Institute, University Hospital of the West Indies, in March. She is assisted by research assistant, Joanne Smith.- RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
( after )Sandra Smith (left), weighing in June, at the Tropical Metabolism Research Institute (TMRI), the University Hospital of the West Indies. She is assisted by Joanne Smith, a research assistant at the TMRI. - IAN ALLEN/STAFFPHOTOGRAPHER
ON MARCH 22, Sandra Smith and Donnette Thomas publicly announced their commitment to lose weight, and adopt a healthier lifestyle. They became participants in Your Health's 'Battle of the bulge' series and were so determined to start off well that they agreed to do body composition and weight measurements (called anthropometrics) at University of the West Indies' Tropical Metabolism Research Institute (TMRI).
In addition, they completed a food frequency questionnaire, which shows what type of food they eat. In the last three months, both women have made some changes, aided by Your Health's nutritionist, Rosalee Brown and exercise expert, Kenneth Gardner.
Their final measurement session - moments of truth for both women - was arranged on June 23. Both women should have returned to the TMRI to again do anthropometrics. Donnette did not show up but Sandra did. With a deep breath and a shy smile, the 35-year-old gathered courage and stepped on the scale at the TMRI. This was one of several tests to see whether all the hard work had paid off.
Turns out that Sandra has made great strides in the last three months.
"The most remarkable change is in the waist circumference, which is an indication of obesity, a risk factor for chronic diseases.That is quite a remarkable change. An inch per month is pretty good. She's obviously more toned there," said Dr. Suzanne Soares Wynter, researcher, lecturer and clinical nutritionist at TMRI.
She discussed with Sandra the new measurements and findings from a newly-completed food frequency questionnaire.
"(In addition), the ideal range (for waist circumference) is 35 inches so you have made it there," she added, evoking a smile from Sandra.
SANDRA'S ACHIEVEMENTS
Sandra's greatest achievements include:
Losing seven pounds
Losing more than three inches from her waist (reaching the ideal waist circumference)
Losing just over two pounds of body fat (or three per cent of body fat), putting her closer to the manageable BMI (body mass index) of 27.
She has moved from the obese category, significantly reducing her risk for chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
She has shifted her eating habits, now taking in more fruits and vegetables. She has cut back on portion sizes, fatty meats, salt, rice, sweet snacks, such as cake and sweet beverages. She's eating less crackers and flour and more starchy vegetables, such as yam and fish.
She is getting more exercise.
"I am also more confident," stated Sandra, who said she was nervous prior to the measurement session. " I was worried that I would not have lost enough weight and everything would have remained the same. But I've talked with the nutritionist (and) I realise that the weight loss seems small, but she tells me there has been marked improvement in other areas and I'm encouraged by that."
REMAINING CHALLENGES
However, challenges remain. They include:
Sandra's liking for nuts, which are rich in protein, but also in fat. One handful could equal 200 calories, but persons rarely stop at one handful, Dr. Soares Wynter said.
Sandra still needs to take steps to reduce her body mass index and body fat percentage
She also needs to eat more vegetables
"There's still more work to be done, but she has done well. The biggest recommendation is for her to maintain what she's doing, which is losing weight consistently," Dr. Soares-Wynter said.
