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Project PCOS Professional of the Month
August, 2007
Gaynor Bussell

Gaynor Bussell, author of the book “Managing PCOS for Dummies” is a Registered Dietitian, a Nutrition Consultant, and a member of various professional nutrition organizations, including the Nutrition Society and British Dietetic Association. Gaynor began specializing in women’s health after taking a short career break to have her two daughters. She worked as a woman’s health dietician for over six years at University College Hospital in London, specializing particularly in PMS, menopause, preconception health, eating disorders and, of course PCOS, She also covered the osteoporosis clinic at this hospital. During this time Gaynor became dietary advisor to a women’s health charity. Since then Gaynor has worked at various women’s health clinics including those at Hammersmith and Queen Charlotte’s. She was also the dietitian for a private residential eating disorders center. Gaynor continues to see private patients who have women’s health issues and/or eating disorders. She also continues to work with various women’s health organizations and charities, and writes and gives talks on various aspects of women’s health. Gaynor currently works as a consultant for the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) where her role includes acting as the interface on nutritional matters between industry and UK and EU authorities and sitting on a number of decision-making committees. To learn more about Gaynor and/or her book, please visit: http://www.gaynorbussell.com

How did you first get involved working with women with PCOS?

I was working as a woman's health dietitian at University College Hospital in London in the mid 90s when I seemed to suddenly get referred a lot of women with the condition. I had to find out pretty quick what the best dietary and lifestyle advice for it.

What was your inspiration behind writing “Managing PCOS for Dummies”?

The publishers approached me to write it, but I was impressed that they had done a lot of research on PCOS and how much interest there was in the condition. It seemed there were thousands of women and their family and friends out there who were desperate to get hold of some sensible, easy to understand and down to earth advice.

Your book is very informative. How long did it take you to gather all of the information for the book?

Ages; I knew quite a lot of the stuff in my head but had to check all my facts. The recipes took me ages, as they had to be invented, made sure they were low in calories etc and then tested!

What is the best advice you could give women who suffer from PCOS?

Enjoy life to the full, but try and make sure your enjoyment includes eating a healthy diet and being active, both of which are not mutually exclusive from having a good life!

What would you like to see happen in the future regarding PCOS treatment research?

Prevention is always easier than cure, so more research on how to know you are vulnerable to developing the condition and how to avoid getting the syndrome in the first place would be great.

If you could have women with PCOS do one thing every day, what would it be?

Have a filling but low GI breakfast.

What would you say is the biggest concern that your PCOS patients have about PCOS?

Probably feeling unattractive, closely followed by not being able to get pregnant

Has working with these women changed any of your views regarding PCOS?

I now realize how much emotional baggage goes along with the syndrome- it is not just about the physical symptoms

Just for fun, tell us about one of your favorite hobbies.

Inventing recipes; but since the kids left home and I have a very conservative partner when it comes to food, I have very little outlet for it!

I would not mind doing a book that is more recipe based in the future.

Tell us something about yourself that we probably don’t know.

I did belly dancing for many years and even went on stage with it. I love doing all sorts of dance and used to be a bit of a disco queen!

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself and/or PCOS?

About PCOS: Although it is a chore, you have an excellent excuse to really look after yourself; so be selfish about it and pamper yourself mentally and physically. I think you've heard enough about me for now!

Thank you Gaynor, it was nice to learn more about you! Your book is wonderful, we’ll look forward to the next one!

You can Gaynor's full biography here.