Malcolm Turnbull's weighty issue

Forget the carbon tax for a minute, Malcolm Turnbull's dramatic drop in size has sparked intense speculation in Canberra. The Shadow Minister for Communications and Broadband has his colleagues wondering whether his new and noticeably thin physique is a sign that he's getting ready for a tilt at the leadership.Turnbull has denied any such ambition.

But, back to the real issue – how did he lose so much weight? Turnbull is equally tight-lipped when asked how he shed the kilos. The Wentworth MP has lost 13 kilograms - and the man behind it is a little-known Chinese practitioner, Dr Shuquan Liu.


Putting clients on a strict regime of only herbs, and no food, for up to three weeks, Dr Liu, who practices in Bondi Junction, Chatswood and Warringah, is understood to have treated Mr Turnbull in recent months.When asked how high-powered clients can function without eating, Dr Liu said:"The herbs we give to the patients give you enough energy and nutrition so you can go to work.


"It's not like fasting. You die if you don't eat. The herbs give you energy and nutrition." The 101 Wellbeing program devised by Dr Liu has transformed the physique of more than 20 CEOs and a smattering of celebrities. The herbs are consumed in a tea-format, but his clients say the consistency is closer to mud.
Corporate advisory firm, Pottinger's CEO Nigel Lake said he lost 10 kilograms from Dr Liu's diet, but says it should not be considered a miracle cure panacea.

Malcolm Turnbull in Canberra. Source: AAP

In response to the diet's promises, the Australian Medical Association's vice president Dr Geoffrey Dobb warns starvation and herbal tea is not a safe way to lose weight. "Any rapid weight loss can be followed by a rebound if people are unable to sustain the program they have entered into," he said. "It's up to the individuals, but one would hope that people like Malcolm Turnbull use their influence responsibly." He said Chinese medicine can be helpful and many aspects have been incorporated into western medical practices.


On his website, Dr Liu boasts that his clients can hope to lose between five to eight kilograms in weight loss over the first two weeks of the month long program. Dr Liu says exercise will not help you lose weight if your organs are not healthy.


According to Liu, his strict non-eating regimen resets the body, releasing the toxins that have gathered due to a busy, stressful life. His aim is not weight-loss, but to restore health to his patients. "The herbs give you enough nutrition for your body to use, and help your body to release the toxins. With my treatment, it always works, always makes them feel better." he explained.


Author and source: 7 News