Tackling Obesity

The Alarming Rise of Obesity in Singapore

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Recent statistics from the National Population Health Survey 2022 have revealed a concerning trend: 28.6% of adult Singaporeans were overweight, with an additional 11.6% being obese. The prevalence of obesity has risen from 8.6% in 2017 to 11.6% in 2022.

Overweight (body mass index (BMI) 25.0-29.9 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI 30.0 kg/m2 and above) are defined by the World Health Organisation as excessive body fat accumulation that has a negative impact on health, increasing the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus and certain cancers. As Asians, the risk of chronic diseases starts at a lower BMI. For instance, a BMI 23.0-27.4 kg/m2 is considered moderate risk and a BMI of 27.5kg/m2 and above is considered high risk.

FACTORS BEHIND OBESITY

While obesity is a complex multifactorial disease influenced by genetics and environment, the root cause of obesity is an imbalance of calorie intake and expenditure. In Singapore, factors such as busy lifestyles, overeating and a lack of exercise contribute significantly to the rising obesity rate. Exercise and nutrition are key lifestyle interventions for preventing and reversing the rising prevalence of obesity, and they must work in tandem.

DIETARY STRATEGIES

Dietary strategies play a crucial role in weight loss efforts. To maintain weight, the amount of energy you receive from food and drinks must balance the amount of energy your body expends through physical activity. Weight loss can occur when you consume lesser energy than you use. Here are some effective dietary measures for weight loss.