OBESITY EPIDEMIC

It’s sweeping nations across Asia but what can we do about it? ~ Susan Lau

1Twenty80 speaks to Dr. Wang Chin-Kung, current professor and former president of the Chung Shan Medical University in Taiwan to find out more on obesity in Asia and how we can change our lifestyles to prevent the numbers from rising.

1Twenty80:

WHY DO YOU THINK OBESITY IS ON THE RISE IN ASIA?

DR. WANG Chin-Kung:

Obesity is on the rise because of better economic conditions compared to the past. Dietary behavior has changed because food is now more affordable. Most people are busy and don’t have time to check their diet nor do they take the time to exercise. Rich carbohydrate intake and poor physical activity, these are the leading causes.

1Twenty80:

WHAT ARE SOME ASIAN DIET PATTERNS THAT YOU HAVE NOTICED INFLUENCING THE RISE OF OBESITY IN THIS REGION?

DR WANG:

The most important reason is fast food – burgers, fries and sodas. High amount of oil and sugars, are contained in these food items and hence, they are the major contributor to obesity. Some packed foods can be good to consume, but it depends on the portions. For instance, some people drink juice like water and we need to realize that even natural fruit juices have sugar which can be a problem.

1Twenty80:

WHAT ARE DISEASES THAT WE MAY NOT KNOW TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY?

DR.WANG:

Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, even cancer are closely associated with obesity. Other issues are joint problems, gout and even metabolic disorders. Pancreatic diseases are not particularly known of because it is located in the centre of the body so it’s hard to see. If something is wrong with it, it’s hard to identify the issue.

1Twenty80:

WHAT DOES OUR METABOLISM HAVE TO DO WITH BECOMING OBESE?

DR.WANG:

One of the causes of obesity is an excess intake of food. Everything is converted into lipids and accumulated if you don’t exercise. When fats are accumulated, muscles become weaker and the only way to strengthen your muscles is to exercise. However, obese people find it difficult to exercise due to the additional effort and energy required which causes their metabolism to slow down.

1Twenty80:

WHAT CONDITIONS COULD AFFECT A PERSON’S METABOLISM?

DR.WANG:

The first condition is age. The metabolic rate becomes lower as the age increases. Second, is poor physical activity. We must be active to make sure our liver and kidneys are healthy as they are vital in helping our metabolism. Obesity puts a lot of undue stress on the organs. The function of our organs corresponds to our body weight. If our body weight is normal, the functions are normal as well, but if you’re obese, the organs have to work harder.

1Twenty80:

ARE THERE WAYS TO INCRESE OUR METABOLISM?

DR.WANG:

It’s about intake of protein that helps. Most people think that minerals and vitamins are the most important. However, they are micronutrients, but they cannot supply the energy needed. Carbohydrates, proteins and lipids can. Proteins are closely related to life – all organs, tissues, hair are made out of proteins.

Good musculature means your body can perform well and carbs play an important role as the major energy supply. But for people with too much carbs – it will accumulate into lipids. Protein supply should be equal. The maximum level is 20grams. Too much protein causes lots of stress on the kidneys. Exercise is also important – if you don’t exercise, the protein will not be converted into muscle.

1Twenty80:

FOR OBESE PEOPLE, ARE THERE ANY HERBS THAT CAN HELP THEM LOSE WEIGHT?

DR.WANG:

In nature, there are many resources to help lose body weight. Some contain specific phytochemicals. The best way is to decrease energy intake and increase physical activity. Herbs can’t be eaten every day because they’re similar to medication so it could cause side effects.

1Twenty80:

WE KNOW THAT EXERCISE IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS DIET. WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO PEOPLE WHO ARE SURRERING FROM OBESITY REGARDING EXERCISE?

DR. WANG:

For exercise, there are two types – normal and vigorous.

Walking daily for one hour is good for obese people. If you like jogging, that’s good too but it’s vigorous and you sweat a lot. For obese people, sometimes they have heart function issues so don’t run immediately. Slow walk first then speed it up from there. Swimming is also good, as is slow biking. Hiking is also alright, but go slow first.

If the person is in a healthy condition but obese, they can be vigorous, but everyone is different. Obesity can put stress on the joins and it can be serious.

1Twenty80:

WHAT IS YOUR TAKE HOME MESSAGE TO OUR READERS REGARDING OBESITY IN MALAYSIA?

DR. WANG:

I suggest that everyone record their body weight every day. Obesity does not happen overnight. Check your BMI value often. If your BMI is over 24, you are overweight, if you are over 28, you are obese. Morning time is the best time to record your weight. This way, you know what you need to do to maintain good weight.