Just watched the documentary and I'm scared. Reassurance please?

[LittleMissMedium]

Hi - I've heard a lot about the 5:2 diet and I finally picked up the book today.

I've just finished watching the documentary and I just feel really scared. I'm 23, 5'2 and have recently shot back up to 11st.

This looks like a fantastic way to lose weight and I'm starting tomorrow morning, but I just feel a real sense of dread because he mentioned in the programme that the longevity of your life also depends on your genes, which is obviously something you cannot change.

Heart disease is a real issue on my Dad's side of the family, with 4 fatalities so far (including my Dad). If I manage to do this diet and change my outlook my eating for good, will I have a "million to one" chance of developing cardiovascular disease as in the programme, or am I still screwed?

I'm so glad I found the programme but just feel a bit scared about where I'm at right now.

[Bakingtins]

I haven't watched the doc, but cardiovascular disease depends on lifestyle factors (bodyweight, saturated fat in diet, lack of exercise, high blood pressure) as well as genes. You can't do anything about your genetic predisposition but you can do a lot to lower your risk by addressing the lifestyle stuff.
I'm not 5:2ing (just saw post in active posts) but recommend couch to 5k for getting fit if you need to. Good luck with it all!

[LittleMissMedium]

Thank you for getting back to me. I am going to download couch to 5k as I think an entire lifestyle overhaul is needed!

[Talkinpeace]

Do not be scared
be proactive

losing weight to a healthy BMI will do you good
as will really working to build your cardiovascular system up
read up on epigenetics and the vagus nerve - you CAN change your destiny

[LittleMissMedium]

Thank you - just watched a video on epigenetics on YouTube - really fascinating stuff. Feeling like I may as well do everything I can to get as healthy as possible.

[KobayashiMaru]

Think of it this way, whether you have dodgy genes in that department or not, being as healthy as you can be can only help.