Why the fascination with Kimmer? #9

[Tom]

Why the fascination with Kimmer?

Why the fascination with Kimmer? #2

Why the fascination with Kimmer? #3

Why the fascination with Kimmer? #4

Why the fascination with Kimmer? #5

Why the fascination with Kimmer? #6

Why the fascination with Kimmer? #7

Why the fascination with Kimmer? #8

[ketosis]

Wow! Thread number 9. Amazing.

I just wanted to be first, didn't really have anything to say so happy first day of no daylight savings time.

[mrsmenopausal]

Number 9! Time flies, eh?

[Diana]

Dr. Eades speaks on Hair Loss and Kimkins:

If you spend any time roaming around low-carb websites you will have stumbled upon posts about the now infamous Kimkins Diet. I haven’t made an in depth investigation into the situation, but from my brief readings it appears that an unscrupulous woman has been outed.

As I understand it a year or two ago a lady appeared on various bulletin boards and in low-carb chat groups alleging to have lost 198 pounds in 11 months on a modified version of the Atkins’ diet. Soon this woman had established a website and was promoting said plan as the Kimkins Diet, which sold for about $60. The Kimkins site had an affiliate program that paid others to send their friends to the site, which people apparently did in droves. The big Kimkins break happened when the diet got a cover article in Woman’s World magazine complete with cover copy proclaiming the diet to be “Better than gastric bypass!”

Since the Woman’s World article the Kimkins empire has begun to crumble. Many of the top poster children for Kimkins have seen the light and have turned apostate on their former guru. Kimmer, the sort of namesake of the Kimkins plan, has been revealed by a private detective to be one Heidi Kimberly Diaz, who, far from the svelte petite woman she represented herself as being, is definitely obese. A Los Angeles television news show has done a multi-part series on the Kimkins Diet, and now it looks like there will be a class action suit filed against the program and its promoter as well (if it hasn’t been filed already).

If you’re interested you can read about the entire affair replete with surveillance photos and videos and video testimonials of former Kimkins apostles who have seen the light through the following links (here, here, here, here and here)

I’m not writing here today to add further to the Kimkins story or to pile on this poor woman. I’m writing to provide reassuring information to a whole lot of Kimkins followers who are in distress. Based on my admittedly cursory trawling through a number of bulletin boards and in reading the comments on some of the sites I linked to above it became clear to me that many people who have followed the Kimkins Diet have had major hair loss.

Let me tell you what has happened.

You are experiencing a common problem called telogen effluvium, which is the medical term for acute hair loss due to a metabolic, hormonal or drug stress.

So you can better understand what has happened, let’s take a look at the normal hair growth cycle. Hair has a growth phase call anagen and a resting or dormant phase called telogen. Typically for hair on the head, anagen lasts around three years followed by telogen that lasts about three months.

During anagen, the growth phase, the hair follicle is active and the hair grows; during telogen the hair follicle becomes dormant and the hair quits growing. But the hair stays in the hair follicle, and since you can’t really measure the growth of a single hair, you don’t know that the hair is actually dead and the follicle dormant. When the follicle reactivates during anagen, the new hair growing in pushes the old, dead hair out, and the hair falls from the scalp. That’s why we all find hairs on our pillows, in the shower, and other places it’s noticeable. Those old are hairs pushed out by the new hair growing in.

This waxing and waning of anagen and telogen is why we continuously lose hair and yet our head of hair doesn’t continuously thin. And, I suppose, it goes without saying that not all of our hair is in lock step in this cycle otherwise we would have hair for 2-3 years, then it would all fall out at once. The estimate is that about 10% of hair on the head is in telogen at any given time, which means that the other 90% is growing normally. And even the 10% in telogen appears normal if you looked at an individual hair. It’s just not growing and will ultimately be pushed out when the follicle converts to anagen.

But sometimes this cycle can be disrupted.

A number of stresses can send hairs from anagen to telogen before their time. Pregnancy, a major illness, a high fever, an injury, surgery (usually from the anesthesia), some medications and a major change in diet, especially going on a starvation diet.

The Kimkins Diet is nothing if not a starvation diet. It is a very-low-calorie diet, containing from 400-700 kcal per day. You saw the photos I posted of the subjects on the famous Keys’ 1600 kcal per day semi-starvation diet back in the 40s, so you can imagine what the Kimkins diet would do were you on it for a substantial amount of time. You would probably look like one of the women I posted on yesterday.

So, for those of you who went on Kimkins and suffered a major hair loss, here’s what happened. The nutritional stress from semi-starvation nature of the diet shocked your hair from anagen into telogen prematurely. You didn’t even notice it when it happened because you lost no hair. Months later when your follicles again went into anagen and became active, the new hair growing in began to push the old hair out. And because the nutritional stress sent much more than your normal ongoing 10% into telogen, you seemed to lose hair by handfuls.

Many people probably started losing their hair as they went off Kimkins and back to a more normal diet. At that time the hair follicles said (assuming hair follicles could speak): hey, stress is over; let’s start growing again. And they did start growing, pushing out the old dead hair.

So, the take home message is that if you lost a lot of hair during your time on Kimkins (or any other diet), don’t sweat it. It will come back. If it doesn’t, then you’ve got something more going on than telogen effluvium, and you need to pay a visit to your doctor. But usually if you look closely at your scalp (or have someone look for you), you’ll see little hairs growing back in. If you’re a female and have long hair, it will take a long time for your hair to grow back to its full length, but it will.

Is their anything you can do to hurry it along? Just make sure you get plenty of good quality protein and essential fats. And don’t worry about it.

I hope this helps a few of you rest a little easier

Thanks for posting CarolynF!!

[MJR]

It's been so quiet in here...
I miss the drama!

I wonder what Kimmer is up to? You'd think she would be working on her defense. But, probably not. She is most likely working on her next scam.

Yes, thanks for that post CarolynF. It's nice to see "others" posting on the Kimkins Scam. His explanation on the hair loss issue is very informative. Good for Dr. Eades!

One more week.....and counting (11,10,9,8,7...), until Kimmer is due to testify.

[ryudragon]

Anyone else get a personal letter from 'dr' mark?

[susique333]

Originally Posted by ryudragon

Anyone else get a personal letter from 'dr' mark?

Which email did he send it from. Anything Im not expecting goes to spam mail.

[ShellyW]

No I didnt but please post it

[ryudragon]

I had contacted the Division of Medical Quality Assurance for the State of Florida to investigate whether he was making false claims or misusing credentials (too scary to let alone -- anyone practicing within the scope of their active licenses should not fear an investigation -- the governing bodies exist to make sure that everyone is playing fair as well as to keep the public safe). They sent me two letters saying they are doing an investigation. Low and behold, I received a letter form dr. Mark in the mail (us postal) and was wondering if anyone else who requested a credential search received dr. mark's personal 'reply?'

[ShellyW]

ok what did the letter say? Hi leave me alone i am shy.

[Diana]

Curious too, what did it say?

[ryudragon]

It's a typed letter and I don't have a scanner, so I'll type it out and post it if you all think it's ok to do so -- I was never trying to be 'mean' to anyone and don't want to cross any ethical lines -- I know someone a while back had an e-mail from FG & would not post it without permission, but I have no idea what forum ethics are, so I'm going to start typing it out in Word (which takes forever cause I'm a two-finger typist ) and if anyone thinks it's wrong to post please jump in and say not to within the next 15 minutes or so please. I personally have no problem with posting it because he sent it knowing full well it's mine to do with what I please -- I just don't want to offend anyone here. If anyone wants an actual copy I guess I would need to go and get it scanned onto a disk. . . I'm really lazy, so please don't make me , but if anyone wants a scanned copy let me know. . . I'll go type now.

[ShellyW]

thanks ryudragon

[Katinsac]

Carolyn...thanks for the info on the hair loss. My beautician does say she can see new hair growth which is nice. My hair is long so I won't see it for a long time but it is nice to know that hopefully, I didn't do a lot more damage being on that plan.

I kinda like it slow around here as it gives me time to work on my shoulder tendinitis before the typing blitz starts again next week. I know we are all waiting for the big day and I hope we are not disappointed by a "no show" but I think we might be. I hope if she does cop out that we have a sympathetic Judge that slaps it too her in the end.

[Katinsac]

ryudragon...hope Dr Mark was nice in his letter and didn't attack you for just protecting the public if need be

[Tea Cozy]

Originally Posted by ryudragon

I had contacted the Division of Medical Quality Assurance for the State of Florida to investigate whether he was making false claims or misusing credentials (too scary to let alone -- anyone practicing within the scope of their active licenses should not fear an investigation -- the governing bodies exist to make sure that everyone is playing fair as well as to keep the public safe). They sent me two letters saying they are doing an investigation. Low and behold, I received a letter form dr. Mark in the mail (us postal) and was wondering if anyone else who requested a credential search received dr. mark's personal 'reply?'

No kidding, huh? Wow.

[ryudragon]

**my name removed**,

“Today I received a visit from the Florida Department of Health in response to your complaint about me practicing outside the scope of my license. I responded satisfactorily to them, where they found no violations, but I wanted to give you a more personal response.

I think it is time you took a serious look at your life and what is important. You are attacking a stranger based solely on being a disgruntled Kimkins “victim.” You obviously have an extraordinary amount of hate built up inside you and need an outlet. Why was this outlet me?

I am a man, with a wife and children, that has dedicated his life to helping EVERYONE HE COMES IN CONTACT WITH. My life has been filled with thousands of hours of education and instructing toward that end. If you were to ask anyone who knows me, attends my seminars, or is a patient of mine, they would tell you this and more. You have not met me though. You have not talked to me, my patients, my students or my family. You have formed your opinion to judge me and try to ruin my life based on your experiences in front of your computer. I find that quite sad.”

***inserted picture of him with wife & 2 kids***

“I enclosed this picture just so you could get a personal perspective on what you are doing. This is my family, my two children and my new wife. Did you know that every other Friday I drive 5 hours to pick them up for the weekend, only to bring them back Sunday afternoon? Did you know I have been doing this for six years? I love them and would do anything to make them grow up healthy, strong and loved. Did you know my wife is in the health and healing professions? Did you know that we have been inseparable since we met four years ago? I even take her on the road with me for seminars. Of course you didn’t. The little box on your desk didn’t tell you that. You just saw an “enemy” whether he was good or bad.

The internet is filled with people, both good and bad, but nonetheless people. They have lives and families. Most of them are honest and caring, some are not. I just thought someone should let you know.

Yours in Health,

Mark T Brinson and Family”

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx

I’m thinking of writing him back, although he did not put a return address on his letter. . . hmmmmm.
Oh well dr. Mark, this will sound callous to such an upstanding and moral citizen, but I don’t care a rat’s behind about your personal life – I DO care about the lives of people you may be harming with your vast medical background and ability to practice across multiple specialties that normally take years of formal training and licensure by reputable boards, but you can practice without censure because you’re an acupuncturist. I’m still waiting for the Division of Medical Quality Assurance to get back to me on their findings. If Florida allows this kind broad scope of ‘medical’ practice without proper licensure I would warn everyone in that State to do a through investigation of their own health care providers. Oh, and I have no “hate” inside, just a healthy dose of fear and skepticism. . . as I said before, I’m not attacking anyone. . . an individual with proper licensure practicing within the guidelines of their specialty has nothing to fear; individuals check on real doctor’s and lawyers credentials all the time, but how many of those doctors and lawyers send off letters to the one inquiring spewing personal info, photos and the claim that someone is trying ’to ruin his life?’

[doxielvr]

Originally Posted by ryudragon

but how many of those doctors and lawyers send off letters to the one inquiring spewing personal info, photos and the claim that someone is trying ’to ruin his life?’

The interesting thing is usually these types of complaints are totally anonymous and are not shared with the person whom the complaint is against

And if he is "practicing" within the realm of what he is quaified to do, licensed appropriately, etc. then you cannot "ruin his life" by raising questions.

[ShellyW]

Wow i think it is remarkable, he can respond, but leaves you no way to address him. If this were the case, and he put it all up front from the start, would people be less critical of what he's up to? And why is he so upset? Does he have something to hide that they can take it away from him?

[fatchick68]

So, let me get this straight, you got a letter from this man complaining that you were trying to ruin his life because you had the nerve to inquire about his credentials?!

He should reread that letter himself. All I got from that was that he obviously left his first wife for a young nurse and now has to inconvenience himself in order to see his kids on weekends!!

[Nady]

Originally Posted by ryudragon

I’m thinking of writing him back, although he did not put a return address on his letter. . . hmmmmm.
Oh well dr. Mark, this will sound callous to such an upstanding and moral citizen, but I don’t care a rat’s behind about your personal life – I DO care about the lives of people you may be harming with your vast medical background and ability to practice across multiple specialties that normally take years of formal training and licensure by reputable boards, but you can practice without censure because you’re an acupuncturist. I’m still waiting for the Division of Medical Quality Assurance to get back to me on their findings. If Florida allows this kind broad scope of ‘medical’ practice without proper licensure I would warn everyone in that State to do a through investigation of their own health care providers. Oh, and I have no “hate” inside, just a healthy dose of fear and skepticism. . . as I said before, I’m not attacking anyone. . . an individual with proper licensure practicing within the guidelines of their specialty has nothing to fear; individuals check on real doctor’s and lawyers credentials all the time, but how many of those doctors and lawyers send off letters to the one inquiring spewing personal info, photos and the claim that someone is trying ’to ruin his life?’

Too bad you don't have his address~ that sounds really good! I think I would add that the posts he's made at Kimkins are the only available examples of his medical knowledge and expertise. These (re)posts indicate that his education level regarding human physiology is woefully inadequate for someone who is advising naive dieters on their nutritional and biological needs.


He may have a wonderful life~ but what happens to that when someone takes his advice and is harmed as a result? If he thinks you are trying to ruin his life, can you imagine what a malpractice suit would do?? After all, the members at Kimkins are paying for his advice (by their membership)~ that makes him culpable.
~~~N

[Katinsac]

I'm confused...drives 5 hours to what? Get the kids for the weekend? Doesn't sound happily married to me but then he says he takes her with him at times? So he is saying his kids are from his first wife...ok, it is sinking in, lol.

I agree...if he has nothing to hide then why the reply? I notice he did not say anything about working for Kimmer/Tippy, etc. Maybe he will think twice now and take a bigger look at the picture. It will be nice to see what your response from the company says. Probably just a generic letter stating thank you and we found nothing. lol

Anyone has the right to question anyones credentials, if more did it, we would not have some of the problems going on we have now. Sounds like he needs a life.

[ryudragon]

Originally Posted by doxielvr

The interesting thing is usually these types of complaints are totally anonymous and are not shared with the person whom the complaint is against

And if he is "practicing" within the realm of what he is quaified to do, licensed appropriately, etc. then you cannot "ruin his life" by raising questions.

The fact that the agency gave him my personal information strikes me as odd also and I'm thinking of contacting them to find out why; maybe he has a friend on the inside. . . I'm just hoping that someone in the department isn't doing him some big favors -- this whole thing makes me want to If he's legit he should have no fears; in fact he should welcome the chance to share his credentials. I think he's protesting a bit too much.

fatchick68,
I hear you! Boy, I always feel sooooo bad for divorced fathers who have to visit their children every other week, makes me want to cry. . . NOT. I cry for the mom who gets to be mommy and daddy 12 days out of 14. . .he sang the blues to the wrong female.

[ixtapacheryl]

Originally Posted by ryudragon

The fact that the agency gave him my personal information strikes me as odd also and I'm thinking of contacting them to find out why; maybe he has a friend on the inside. . . I'm just hoping that someone in the department isn't doing him some big favors -- this whole thing makes me want to If he's legit he should have no fears; in fact he should welcome the chance to share his credentials. I think he's protesting a bit too much.

fatchick68,
I hear you! Boy, I always feel sooooo bad for divorced fathers who have to visit their children every other week, makes me want to cry. . . NOT. I cry for the mom who gets to be mommy and daddy 12 days out of 14. . .he sang the blues to the wrong female.

Do you have a screen shot of his posts on the KK forum where he is advertising his credentials? Remember - didn't he say he was a "doctor"?

His letter screams "victim" ..... that's uncalled for. You are just questioning his credentials, etc. It's done all the time. It's important for people to be "pro-active" when it comes to their health. You did nothing wrong!!!!

[ryudragon]

Thanks guys for all your support .

I just reviewd the Dept. of Florida Health Board. It says "Q. Will the practitioner know that a complaint has been filed?
A. Florida Statutes require that if the complaint is opened for investigation, the healthcare practitioner be given a copy of the complaint.

Q. Are complaints confidential?
A. Complaints remain confidential until ten days after the probable cause panel of the Board has determined that a violation has occurred. Patient identity and patient records remain confidential at all times."

Ok, sometimes I'm not the brightest apple, but doesn't this mean my identity should have been kept private? I'd like to know if I'm reading it wrong before I call and ask them what's up.