Food institute 'totally refutes' weight loss expert's criticism

Operation Transformation weight loss expert Dr Eva Orsmond has incurred the wrath of nutritionists and dieticians after criticising the two professions at an Oireachtas committee.

Dr Orsmond told the health committee last week many dieticians and nutritionists were “misinformed” because the guidelines they used were “totally outdated”. As a result, losing weight and changing lifestyle was “almost impossible”.

“We are still following the food pyramid, which is only good for somebody who is farming with horses. The only way of eating according to the food pyramid is if one is physically active ...”

The Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute said it “totally refuted” her assertions.

It pointed out the pyramid was revised by the Department of Health and the HSE last year and endorsed by the institute in partnership with the Food Safety Authority and the Government’s special action group on obesity. It was never intended as a weight loss guide, it said.

“Our practice is informed by evidence-based interventions and the use of behavioural change techniques to empower people to make changes to help manage weight.”