The tables are turned on celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson on Wednesday when Dr Stephen Cleland of the University of Glasgow presents him with a menu for healthy living.

Dr Cleland delivers his prescription during this week's edition of 'Food Junkies' on BBC2 which focuses on 'Syndrome X', the metabolic syndrome which signals a serious risk of cardiovascular disease and late-onset diabetes.

The popular health programme visits the Department of Medicine & Therapeutics's laboratories at the University where Antony Worrall Thompson admits that he is at high risk for this syndrome. He is in his fifties, takes no exercise, is overweight, smokes and has a very sweet tooth.

But Dr Cleland is quick to point out that the medical response can be very positive. "We want to stress that something positive can be done for people with this syndrome. We encourage Antony Worrall Thompson to give up smoking, lose two stones in weight, cut down sugar intake and take up a programme of exercise.

"By taking action in this way, people with the syndrome can reduce the risk of some kind of cardiovasuclar event - such as a heart attack - by up to two thirds." There is also some scientific evidence which suggests that appropriate life-style changes might delay the onset of late-onset diabetes.

Dr Cleland says that the incidences of cardiovascular disease and late-life diabetes in the UK are reaching 'epidemic' proportions. "However there is a very important public health message to get over," he adds. "People who are at risk can do a number of things to reduce the risks and improve their health. We hope the programme will make more people aware of this and encourage them to do something about it."

'Food Junkies' is scheduled to be broadcast on BBC2 at 9.00 p.m. on Wednesday 17 April.

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Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

If you wish to interview Dr Cleland please contact the University Press Office on 0141 330 3535

First published: 15 April 2002