Why is it that when you go to the doctor for dietary advice they just weigh you, and give you a couple of sheets of information regarding what foods are considered healthy and what foods are not? Most of us already know how much we weigh and with all the diet programs on television, and dietary advice in magazines we should understand by now what a healthy diet is. The medical profession understand that some prescribed drugs that their patients have to take, can have side effects which will increase their weight. Pain killers for example! But they have to weigh up the benefits of taking such drugs against the side effects.

We know about the recommendations of eating 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day but what about food allergies, or intolerances? Some people need help sorting out their acids from their alkalines because if you have a hiatus hernia or your stomach tends to bleed while on certain drugs, adding acidic fruits are the last thing that your body needs.

They recommend 10,000 steps a day to good health, but what about the disabled and the elderly? I’ve been crippled with arthritis for years and lack of mobility is now my biggest hurdle. I use a foot exerciser to try and keep my legs healthy and dumb bells to keep the muscles in my arms fit, but there’s no way I could manage 10,000 steps. Why is it you see loads of documentaries on television based on health, fitness and well balanced diets, but nothing which includes food intolerances? Why don’t program makers do something about healthy alkaline diets for people with stomach problems, and exercises for people with mobility problems?

It’s said that you should always check with your doctor before taking on any new fitness of dietary regime. But that brings you back to square one!

The NHS unfortunately doesn’t have the time or the money. So why doesn’t the government give the NHS enough money to have diet clinics in each surgery? If you are over 50 you can go to your doctor and ask for an MOT but what about patients who are younger? Everyone understands about how much pressure the NHS is under, but we are told that prevention is better than cure; that the government wants children to learn about healthy eating before they become obese. What about helping their parents? It’s difficult to get children to try new foods at the best of times let alone change their whole dietary regime.

The current TV advert trying to get children interested in exercise is great, but some parents have to do two or three jobs just to pay the bills; when do they have time to take their kids out for cycle rides? Could the government give schools more money so that play times can be spent doing organised games?

If like me you have a weight problem with underlying health issues tell us how you cope.

It may be that you have been through similar experiences. How were they resolved?

Are you worried about your children’s weight, and things like peer pressure at school?

What do you think? Join in our conversation about weight and family health issues - leave a comment below.