S.H. Ho College eNewsletter

Thank you for inviting me to share with you my view of one of the major problems facing our modern life: central obesity. Over the past 50 years, humans have begun to take on a different evolution path. We do not have to hunt, cultivate or plant to get food any more. Changes of economy enable us to work in buildings. Sedentary lifestyle and the abundance of high-energy food result in an increase in obesity.

If you go around in Hong Kong, you will see a lot of young men start to have big tummies. Similar changes occur in females. They are not obese, but are collecting fat inside the tummies. Central obesity gives you heart attack, diabetes, cancer, infertility, high blood pressure and so forth. Many other common diseases are originally caused by central obesity. A quick way to define central obesity is over 35-inch waist for men and over 32-inch for women.

For those who sit 12 to 16 hours a day because of their jobs or playing with smart phones, the risk of having a heart problem or early death will be much increased. Remember, it is important to walk around while you still have the opportunity. S.H. Ho College is near a sports centre and has its own fitness room, so there is no excuse in not taking any exercise. Pick an exercise - jogging, weight lifting, Tai Chi, swimming - as your habit. Realize the importance of exercise and how it will help you live a healthy life.

Something about food:
• Coffee, tea, and chocolate: One or two cups a day is ok. But don't rely on them to improve your health.
• Fish and fibre: If you increase your fish and fibre intake, the cancer rate will drop.
• Rice: If you take a lot of rice, the risk of having diabetes will be increased.
• Avoid or minimize the intake of congee, soup that cooked for many hours, juice, or instant noodles.
• Brown rice, noodles and pasta are good choices.
• Don't eat until you are full.

I hope you all can take a more active role in laying a good foundation for your health so that you can enjoy many years of happiness. You have many years ahead of you, and you definitely want a healthy body to sustain and enjoy life.

(Dr. Peter Tong is a specialist in endocrinology, diabetes & metabolism, and a Clinical Associate Professor (Honorary) of The Chinese University of Hong Kong)