Managing the ‘middle-aged spread’: Why undereating isn't the answer

Join Mike for the latest episode of The House of Wellness with Chemist Warehouse on the Breeze, where he’s joined by Nicky Styris, Dr Megan Riley from the Skin Institute, founder of the Headache Clinic Helen Tufui, Peter Dickens from the Prostate Cancer Foundation and resident pharmacist Piyara Perera. 

Featured Guest: Nicky Styris

Nicky Styris is back with more tips and tricks for all your nutritional needs, saying that staying energised as we age comes down to adapting our eating habits. 

As muscle mass naturally declines and metabolism becomes less efficient, protein intake becomes increasingly important to support muscle, stabilise blood sugar and maintain energy levels. 

Nicky explains that while weight gain and “middle-aged spread” can be influenced by hormones and lifestyle shifts, undereating is often counterproductive, slowing metabolism further and triggering cravings. 

Instead, she advocates for a whole-foods approach, prioritising lean proteins, fibre-rich fruits and veges, healthy fats like omega-3s and limiting processed carbs that cause energy spikes and crashes.

Featured Guest: Dr Megan Riley

The Skin Institute’s Dr Megan Riley discussed the high rates of melanoma in New Zealand, and the “quantum leap” provided by their new ‘Skin Tracker’ tool. 

This technology uses high-resolution total body photography to detect minute changes in the skin over time, catching 70% of melanomas that arise from previously normal skin rather than existing moles. 

Megan recommends a baseline skin check starting at age 15, and emphasises that early detection makes melanoma highly curable. 

Featured Guest: Helen Tufui 

Founder of the Headache Clinic, Helen Tufui, shared how her own journey with a nine-month concussion led her to help others manage persistent head pain.

Helen highlighted that many headaches, including those linked to menstrual cycles and menopause, come from a sensitised brainstem that can be treated by improving the body’s tolerance to hormonal fluctuations.

She also recommended neuroprotective supplements like magnesium and vitamin D to support the nervous system and help prevent migraines. 

Featured Guest: Peter Dickens

Peter Dickens, Chief Executive of the Prostate Cancer Foundation, joined the show to mark Testicular Cancer Awareness Month.

Testicular cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting young men in New Zealand, with around 180 diagnoses each year. It’s also one of the most curable, boasting a survival rate of over 95% when caught early. 

Peter highlighted the importance of awareness and early detection, encouraging monthly self-examinations in the shower to look for painless lumps. 

Resident Pharmacist: Piyara Perera

This week, Piyara discussed iron deficiency, one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the world, particularly affecting women, athletes, and those on plant-based diets.

Piyara identified subtle warning signs like fatigue, thinning hair, and brittle nails, noting that blood tests remain the most accurate way to confirm low levels.

To improve iron absorption, she suggests pairing iron-rich foods or supplements with vitamin C and avoiding tea or coffee for at least two hours after intake. 

Featured Product: Maltofer 

If you’ve been feeling a bit off lately with low energy, trouble concentrating, headaches, poor sleep or even noticing things like hair loss or feeling the cold more than usual, it could be linked to low iron. 

Maltofer tablets or syrup is a once-a-day clinically proven treatment for iron deficiency, that’s gentler on your tummy.

Each dose contains 100mg of elemental iron, and the best part is you don’t need to take it with Vitamin C. It’s a great option if you’re not getting enough iron from your diet, and it’s suitable for vegetarians and vegans too.  

Always read the label and take as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional. Aspen New Zealand, Auckland. 

Catch the full episode up top and tune in next Sunday for The House of Wellness on the Breeze.