Metabolic balance sounds like a meditation programme or the latest health trend from the US. In fact, it is the name of a wellness programme developed by German nutritionist Wolfgang Funfack. “A well-balanced metabolism is the basis for the harmonic progression of all bodily functions,” says Funfack.
Few scientists dispute his statement, but the means of achieving it remains contentious. “A metabolic diet is in fact a synthetic term. Diets always have something to do with metabolism,” said nutrition scientist Achim Bub of the Max Rubner Institute in Karlsruhe, who adds it’s sufficient to gear dietary intake around simple rules.
To begin with, a diet should be varied. It also should contain as little fat as possible and what fat there is should be plant based as opposed to animal fat. In addition to following these rules, people who remain active and drink enough liquids can lose weight without a special diet, according to Bub. Funfack sees things differently. “Every person requires different basic components to bring his or her metabolism into tune.
“People who want to make an enduring change need an individual nutritional plan.” A blood analysis determines which basic nutritional components the patient needs. The main goal of Funfack’s metabolic balance programme is to keep the insulin and blood sugar level as low as possible. This helps maintain a feeling of fullness for a longer period of time.
Funfack stresses that participants in his programme lose weight with pleasure. Before they reach that point, however, they must strictly follow the plan. This includes three meals a day and a five-hour wait between meals. Little snacks in the course of the day are forbidden. Prof Kurt Widhalm of Vienna’s Medical University is critical of the scientific basis of Funfack’s claim.
He says Funfack’s statements can’t be made with such certainty. “I know of not a single study or publication that examines the scientific basis of metabolic balance.” Funfack says his method promises to heal other illnesses such as neurodermatitis. Participants’ skin often looks younger and their general wellness improves, he claims. It also ends the yo-yo effect some people experience when trying to lose weight. Therein lies the problem, according to Widhalm. “It would all be nice and a true achievement, but there is just no proof.”
People who are very overweight require a treatment that is tailored to their individual
needs, Widhalm says, adding that in normal cases, fruit and vegetables three times a day
along with 20 to 30 minutes of activity are what’s needed as opposed to an expensive
programme.
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