Professor Joseph Proietto

08/07/2025

Fatty fish and shellfish aren’t just good—they’re some of the most nutrient-packed foods you can eat.

Salmon, mackerel, sardines, and trout provide brain-boosting omega-3s and keep blood sugar stable. Shellfish like shrimp, oysters, clams, and crab deliver essential minerals like zinc and iodine that support metabolism and immune health.

Yet, seafood is often overlooked. Are you getting enough? What’s your favorite way to eat it?

08/07/2025

No surprise here. But ultraprocessed food is not going away.
Can it be made healthy? Yes, if you adhere to three principles: protect the liver, feed the gut, support the brain.
UPF manufacturers need to do 4 things:
1. Cut the sugar.
2. Add fiber.
3. Add omega-3’s.
4. Cut the emulsifiers.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/apr/28/ultra-processed-food-increases-risk-of-early-death-international-study-finds?fbclid=IwY2xjawLHyRlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFJRHY5QnRVOGtuY1l6M1RlAR4tyxyVf-reXAM67zeTUh41t3JclKRJjyf9rJfyOuJPId1xOEzsA-GktcqJMw_aem_eX4y9yemFFgj4nvYsOHoBg

About 14% of premature deaths in England attributable to unhealthy food, the most among surveyed countries

08/07/2025

Moving for my kidneys! 💪🏃‍♀️ Exercise isn't just for the body, it's a kidney booster too. Physical activity improves blood flow, helps manage blood pressure, and supports overall kidney function. Let's break a sweat for kidney health! 🏋️‍♂️🥤
A study published in Obesity, the official journal of The Obesity Society, found that adults with obesity who maintain higher physical fitness and body weight are at a lower risk of chronic kidney disease. Interestingly, the research indicated that losing weight alone did not contribute to lowering this risk. For every 11 pounds people gained, their risk of kidney disease shot up by 34%. However, losing weight did not decrease the risk.
The study's results suggest that incorporating and maintaining a physically active lifestyle might play a pivotal role in reducing the risk of chronic kidney disease, even if weight loss is not achieved. This highlights the benefits of exercise beyond its impact on body weight, emphasizing its significance in promoting kidney health.
Despite this study, obesity remains a risk factor for kidney disease. Therefore, as always, individual health considerations should be taken into account, and consulting with healthcare professionals for personalized advice is advisable.

08/07/2025

In 2000, together with Professor Jeffrey Zajac and Dr. Katherine Bate, I co-found the Endocrine Specialist Centre. Our vision is to create a dedicated medical practice focused on the assessment, treatment, and ongoing care of people with endocrine disorders or those requiring endocrine therapy.

Today, the Endocrine Specialist Centre continues to grow. We now have over a dozen highly experienced endocrinologists. All of our doctors are leaders in their fields, holding appointments at The University of Melbourne and The Austin Hospital.

We work together to manage a wide range of adult endocrine conditions — including diabetes, weight management, women's and men's health, transgender and intersex health, osteoporosis, thyroid disease, and other less common endocrine issues.

Our dedicated team remains committed to providing expert, high-quality care in a supportive and friendly environment.

08/07/2025

Excessive glucose circulating in the blood can lead to diabetes, primarily through insulin resistance. Insulin resistance occurs when cells in muscle, fat, and the liver do not respond to insulin as they should.² There are numerous factors and conditions contributing to varying degrees of insulin resistance, including high blood pressure, high lipid levels, glucose tolerance, pregnancy, genetics, aging, a sedentary lifestyle, and obesity.

08/07/2025

Bread should not be part of your daily diet if you have diabetes.
Graphic by Dr David Unwin

08/07/2025

Medical progress is never the result of a single person’s effort. Together with my team, we research, innovate, and break new ground—not just for the sake of science, but to improve human health and well-being on a broader scale. Every breakthrough we make brings us closer to a healthier future for all.

22/05/2024

Patient Question:
“Doctor, last night I had a proper dinner, but while watching TV, I got these intense cravings for something sweet. It felt uncontrollable—like I had to eat something. I looked it up online, and someone mentioned it could be due to not eating enough protein during the day. Is that true? And does this kind of late-night hunger have anything to do with weight gain?”

Answer:
This is actually a very common concern—and you’re absolutely on the right track with your thinking.

According to a study by The Obesity Society, insufficient protein intake during the day can cause blood sugar dips and energy crashes in the evening. As a result, your brain sends strong signals for quick energy—usually in the form of sugar and carbs.

Protein plays a key role in regulating appetite by helping balance important hunger-related hormones like ghrelin and leptin, while also keeping your blood sugar stable. That’s why it’s one of the most effective nutrients for reducing late-night cravings.

✅ What you can do:
Try adding more quality protein to your breakfast and lunch—think eggs, Greek yogurt, lean meats, or legumes. Many people notice that this alone drastically reduces their evening cravings and stabilizes both mood and energy.

22/05/2024

Leon, a 5-year-old with the weight of a 17-year-old, is battling obesity linked to poor diet and lack of physical activity. Despite his mother’s belief that genetics are to blame, doctors emphasize the importance of lifestyle changes. Leon's case highlights the growing concern of childhood obesity, which can lead to serious health issues.
From: Spoilt Rotten

22/05/2024

Diabetes is a persistent medical condition that impacts the body's ability to regulate blood sugar or glucose, essential for providing energy to cells. In individuals with diabetes, the body either inadequately produces insulin (as in type 1 diabetes) or struggles to utilize the insulin it produces effectively (as in type 2 diabetes). Consequently, elevated levels of glucose in the blood can result, posing a risk for severe health complications like heart disease, kidney damage, nerve issues, and vision impairment over time. With millions affected globally, diabetes stands as a significant public health issue.

22/05/2024

If you were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes today, what would you do first?

Here’s the reality—diabetes isn’t just about high blood sugar. It’s about insulin resistance. And the quickest way to tackle that? Cut the carbs.

I’d drop carbs to 30g or less per day. No processed junk. Just real food—protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Science backs it. Blood sugar drops. Insulin sensitivity improves. Medications get reduced (or ditched altogether).

But here’s the real question—why aren’t we told this from the start?