South Africans are a nation of people in denial when it comes to perceptions of how overweight, unfit and unhealthy they are. In a recent national health survey initiated by healthcare company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) it was revealed that 61% South Africans are overweight, obese or morbidly obese. 29% are men and 56% are women. The survey also found that South Africans believe they are healthy, even when they are obese. Only 47% recognise that a lifestyle change is critical to weight loss.

Cosmetic doctor Maureen Allem, who founded the anti-aging, non-surgical clinic Skin & Body Renewal, says fad diets are not the answer and there is no such thing as a miracle slimming drug.

“The only weight loss programme I have found to work is a lifestyle modification that combines nutritional supplements and a sustained eating plan with one other crucial component; a hormone called hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) that alters or stimulates a person’s metabolism.”

Just back from the International Anti-aging Congress in Monte Carlo, Allem says the latest research into weight loss has revealed that a low daily injected dose of a hCG, combined with a customised ultra-low calorie (500 – 600) diet, will result in the loss of abnormal, unhealthy fat, leaving essential muscle and fat intact.

To demonstrate this point, Skin & Body Renewal has recently launched a competition called The Slender Challenge. 20 people, who are struggling with their weight, will be chosen to compete to see who can lose the most kilos in 12 weeks. Each one will be given a weight loss programme valued at R10 000.

Allem says if the prescribed weight loss program is strictly adhered to, about 350 grams of fat can be lost each day which translates into 10 - 12 kilograms a month.

The winner will receive a 3-D Body Renewal Package from Skin & Body Renewal, valued at R25 000, which is designed to reduce more inches and sculpt the body. Online spot prizes, valued at R25 000, will be awarded to blog followers throughout the challenge.

To enter The Slender Challenge go to www.slenderchallenge.co.za or you can follow the competitors progress through their daily blogs from 01 July – 23 September on the same website.