Fat is in fire for Noakes
TIM Noakes, South Africa’s low carbohydrate guru, is in hot water. . . again.
Last week, he and two doctors wrote an editorial arguing that eating carbohydrates – especially refined ones – explained the rise of obesity rather than a lack of exercise.
The editorial was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in which one of his best friends, Karim Khan, and fellow Banting diet supporter, is one of the three editors.
The editorial argued no one could outrun a bad diet despite the food industry arguments that one could indulge in junk food if they burnt off the excess calories by exercise.
The opinion piece was picked up by 28 media outlets including the BBC, The Times of India and Newsnight, a London-based TV show.
But it has now been taken down.
The site says: “The paper has been temporarily removed following an expression of concern.”
It appears the controversy is because he and two fellow authors did not declare a conflict of interest – a common practice in medical research.
Noakes has sold 150 000 copies of his book Real Meal Revolution, promoting a low carb lifestyle. But has also published three other books – one promoting exercise.
Aseem Malhotra, is science director of non-profit organisation Action on Sugar and co-authored the editorial is lobbying the British government to place a high tax on sugary foods.
Noakes defended his choice saying on twitter that in 42 years of publishing he has never needed to declare his books.
He has now declared them and is awaiting the article be put back up.
He suggested the editorial blaming food and the food industry for suggesting exercise can balance bad food choice has ruffled feathers.
But Professor of Bioethics at the Steven Biko School for Ethics Ames Dhai said: “Declaring books – yes – any book that brings in royalties is an income generator – and should be declared even in an editorial.”
Noakes said he was not keeping any money from his book. It is going to the Noakes Foundation for research on diet and nutrition.
Dhai added: “When editors publish based on friendship they do doctors, the healthcare profession and ultimately patients a huge disservice as their care would be based on biased information – which may work against the best interests of our patients.”