Press Release

NEWS RELEASE

What's Wrong with Pasta?

September 3, 2003

Dr. Vagnini's Statement on Pasta
"For a number of years, I have been asking this question, rhetorically, of course, of my patients and my radio audience. But don't get the impression I favor doing away with pasta. On the contrary. I love pasta, my mother's especially. The problem is that at one time in my life, my love for pasta resulted in my being overweight by nearly 100 pounds. Through my professional studies I learned that pasta -- carbohydrates in general -- can be a major factor in insulin resistance -- a metabolic syndrome in which the body's metabolism fails to process insulin sufficiently, resulting in a craving for more carbohydrates and obesity. Too much pasta is what's wrong with pasta! Every healthy diet must be a balance of nutritional foods, no excesses in one direction or another. I got the message and took off the extra pounds and have kept them off by eating sensibly. My medical practice today is dedicated to helping others achieve the metabolic weight that is healthy for them."

In his new book Dr. Vagnini's Healthy Heart Plan, Dr. Frederic J. Vagnini includes a lengthy section on insulin resistance, in which he explains "what's wrong with pasta." Insulin resistance is at the root of much of the obesity that is present in American society today. "The War on Obesity" was declared by former Surgeon General Everett Koop and followed up by succeeding surgeons general who have reported that obesity, the condition of nearly two thirds of Americans, is a grave threat to the social fabric of the country. Dr. Vagnini has enlisted his practice and in his health education activities to combat unhealthy lifestyle and eating habits as he works in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases and their complications: heart attack, stroke, hypertension, and diabetes.

Dr. Vagnini Prosecutes "War on Obesity" with New Book

"Obesity and Diabetes Rates Continue to Rise in US" says a headline reporting on an article in the January 1 New England Journal of Medicine. Between 2000 and 2001, the prevalence of obesity among US adults increased from 19.8% to 20.9%, a relative increase of 5.6%. And this despite successive warnings of Surgeon Generals who have declared obesity "the most pressing new health challenge we face." In pursuing "the war on obesity" in his practice and health education efforts, Dr. Frederic J. Vagnini announces publication of his latest book: Dr. Vagnini's Healthy Heart Plan.

Healthy Heart Plan is a follow-up to his New York Times bestseller, which he co-authored with Richard and Rachael Heller: The Carbohydrate Addict's Health Heart Program. Dr. Vagnini regards Healthy Heart Plan as an extension of his popular call-in radio program (WOR 710 New York Sunday 4 PM). It addresses many of the questions his listeners ask; it presents explanations in layman's language of the latest scientific reports in medical journals; and in particular, it outlines the health problem of insulin resistance, which is at the root of late onset diabetes and obesity.

As the body ages, the ability of human cells to metabolize insulin wanes: insulin resistance. Without insulin the cells' energy output declines and the unprocessed insulin creates a craving for carbohydrates. The result is excessive fat and weight gain. Most people who are overweight are affected by insulin resistance.

A health advisory promulgated 18 months ago by the National Cholesterol Education program identified what they call "the metabolic syndrome." Its signs are central obesity (> 40" waistline), high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and low HDL (the good cholesterol). The metabolic syndrome is indicative of insulin resistance. Once physicians recognize it, it has to be corrected by a commitment to proper diet and regular exercise.

Obesity may not be a disease in itself, but it predisposes one's body for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and hypertension, which are life-threatening diseases. There is no miracle drug, no magic pill for it; it must be corrected by proper dieting and regular exercise, usually under the direction of a nutrition-minded physician.

Dr. Vagnini concedes that the "war on obesity" is not going well and that many Americans still have not grasped the seriousness of the epidemic. In addition to good clinicians working with their obese patients, there must be a major thrust in health education and communications. In Dr. Vagnini's Healthy Heart Plan, he has advanced that cause significantly.