Maintain pressure on reforms to protect NHSCall to sell statins with fast food
Giving out statins along with burgers and fries at fast food outlets could offset the heart risk produced by the salty, fatty meals, it is claimed.
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A team from Imperial College London said that cardiovascular risk associated with the fat content in a 7oz cheeseburger and small sugary milkshake could be cut by giving customers statin pills at the same time.
At less than 5p per pill - the same as a portion of ketchup - the researchers said the plan would be a cheap way of combating the negative health effects of junk food in the same way that smokers are offered filters and drivers must wear seatbelts.
They said: “Routine accessibility of statins in establishments providing unhealthy food might be a rational modern means to offset the cardiovascular risk.
“Fast food outlets already offer free condiments to supplement meals. A free statin-containing accompaniment would offer cardiovascular benefits, opposite to the effects of equally available salt, sugar, and high-fat condiments.”
The research is published in the American Journal of Cardiology.
But British Heart Foundation medical director Professor Peter Weissberg said: “The suggestion that the harmful effects of a junk food meal might be erased by taking a cholesterol-lowering statin tablet should not be taken literally.
“A junk food diet has a wealth of unhealthy consequences beyond raising cholesterol. Statins are a vital medicine for people with - or at high risk of developing - heart disease. They are not a magic bullet.”
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Readers' comments (4)
Anonymous | 13-Aug-2010 3:13 pm
The suggestion of such an idea I find ludicrous.
What happened to patient education and empowering patients to take responsibility for their own health.
We have to remove ourselves from this nannying state and place the responsibilities where they should lie.
There is not a quick fix to the problem, that the public may choose to eat junk food. But through dialogue between differing agencies perhaps nationally we can help people to become more accountable and responsible to tmake the right choices about food..
A ridiculous suggestion!!!
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mike | 13-Aug-2010 4:32 pm
Oh for crying out loud, what idiot thought this one up? Absolutely agree with Anonymous | 13-Aug-2010 3:13 pm
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Anonymous | 13-Aug-2010 10:44 pm
What about contraindications and interactions? Are the staff of mcdonalds supposed to keep a BNF handy and question customers regarding health conditions and other medications?
Any sauces? Heart problems? Medication?
Maybe the new computer system being implemented could extend to fast food outlets, so that the staff at Greggs can check for possible problems before administering the pasty or pie.
The possibilities are endless!
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Anonymous | 17-Aug-2010 9:27 am
Truly unbelieveable!!!!
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