I commenced my fructose free journey almost 12 months ago. In the first three months I lost 10 kilograms and reduced my waistline measurement by 10 centimeters. Since then I have neither gained nor lost any more weight although my girth has reduced a further 2-3 centimeters. I did not experience any withdrawal symptoms when I went sugar free and I did not, at any stage, relapse into a sugary eating habit. I still have had no chocolate, sweet biscuits, lollies etc. since the 27th July 2010.

I am happy with the results. I must say however that I feel no different; I am not more energetic, less or more tired or changed emotionally or physically save for the lower weight.

Interestingly, I have recently had my annual check up. Blood sugar is fine (it always was) the other, numerous tests, all show me to be in excellent, virtually unchanged health with a blood pressure of 114/74 and a resting heart rate of 58bpm. Surprisingly my cholesterol is also unchanged and at the high end of normal. While I have a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol, I had expected the change in dietary intake to be reflected in a significant reduction in cholesterol and within the balance of LDL:HDL.

There is no doubt in my case, that eliminating the majority of fructose from my diet has made a positive difference to my appearance and carrying 10kg less fat around must reduce my risk of certain weight related ailments. Incidentally the weight loss represents 10% of my total weight. I have a heavy frame (a legacy I am told, of an elite sporting background), I am 183cm tall and approaching my 61st birthday.

My conclusion is that fructose free eating is worthwhile as a weight loss regime. However there is nothing magic about it and while it has provided me with an aesthetic benefit (and a colateral psychological benefit), I would hesitate to promote the many claimed physiological benefits as the reason for following the regime. I stress however that this is a view formed purely as a result of personal experience.

However, it was cheaper than Jenny Craig, Weightwatchers, Tony Ferguson et al, (indeed I estimate my personal food costs were lowered by around $30 per week), there was never any appreciable feeling of hunger and I no longer need to carefully watch my food for fear of dietary bounce. Given the almost total rejection of fast and pre-prepared foods, there has also been a significant reduction in the amount of rubbish I generated every week.

The next three months should prove interesting. I am in Thailand for that period and will try to consume a local rather than western diet. Perhaps I will see a reduction in my cholesterol level as a result.

I'll let you know.

David F.