More Singaporeans are too fat

By Chong Zi Liang


SINGAPOREANS are losing the battle of the bulge, with one in 10 - or 10.8 per cent of the population - being obese.

This is up from 6.9 per cent in 2004, according to the latest National Health Survey.

The findings of the survey, which is conducted by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) every six years, were revealed yesterday at the launch of the annual National Healthy Lifestyle Campaign.

The growing rate of obesity can be blamed on two main factors - Singaporeans are not exercising enough, and they are not eating properly.

The bad news comes despite many efforts over the years to promote healthy living through exercise and proper diet.

While the obesity figure is not as high as in other developed countries, such as in the United States, where one in three people is obese, the HPB still sees cause for concern.

'This is a very worrying trend for us,' said HPB chief executive officer Lam Pin Woon yesterday.

Singapore's obesity trend - a 0.65 per cent increase a year - is similar to that seen in the US and Britain 30 years ago.

Obesity in these countries has become a major problem.

'We have to do something now. Otherwise, 30 years down the road, we'll be where the US and Britain are now,' Mr Lam said.

But it will be an uphill battle, judging from other findings of the survey.

Although more people are exercising, more than half of Singapore's population still do not exercise at all.

Six in 10 Singaporeans eat out, a trend which worries nutritionists. Home-cooked meals are deemed healthier as one can exercise control over the amount of salt and seasoning used.

'If you ask me: Am I happy? My answer is 'no', even though there is improvement,' said Mr Lam, referring to the number of Singaporeans who do not exercise. 'This is of special concern, given that we are now more sedentary in our lifestyles.'

The board is rolling out new programmes to fight the flab.

As evidence shows that chronic conditions, including obesity, have their origins when one is still in the mother's womb, the board wants to encourage expectant mothers to cultivate good eating habits.

Dr Annie Ling, director of the HPB's adult health division, said: 'There is some evidence to show that the rate of weight-gain of the foetus impacts the subsequent risk for developing obesity.'

Weight issues among the young in Singapore is a special area for concern, said general practitioner Alvin Tan, 30: 'Children who are obese tend to develop other health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes earlier in life.'

To encourage better eating habits among the young, the HPB will be introducing guidelines to protect children from the indiscriminate advertising and marketing of unhealthy food and beverage choices.

Yesterday's launch of the National Healthy Lifestyle Campaign was held at VivoCity's amphitheatre, where the guest of honour, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, sweated it out to the Great Singapore Workout with a 1,000-strong crowd. Mr Goh shared with the audience his exercise regime, which includes playing tennis and going to the gym twice a week, and golf once a week.

VivoCity is also the first of 50 shopping centres to sign up as a Health Promoting Mall.

Such malls are encouraged to host activities which encourage a healthy lifestyle. For instance, the food courts and restaurants could provide healthier meal choices, and the pharmacies could provide counselling to help smokers kick the habit.

Obesity rates in populations
Japan: 3.4 (2008)
South Korea: 3.8 (2008)
Singapore: 10.8 (2010)
Malaysia: 16.3 (2005)
Canada: 24.2 (2008)
Britain: 24.5 (2008)
Australia: 24.8 (2007)
New Zealand: 26.5 (2007)
United States: 33.8 (2008)

Sources: Singapore NHS10, Malaysia NCD Surveillance-1 2005, and OECD Health Data 2010