Regular exercise, proper diet remain key to fighting obesity

Love handles. Muffin top. Bat wings. These are just some physical signs of being overweight or obesity. To those who are looking for answers on how to get rid of unwanted fat, various diet suggestions and fitness fads may pop up everywhere. But, experts said at a health forum on Tuesday, it still boils down to what has already been established: proper diet and exercise.

According to endocrinologist Dr. Rosa Allyn Sy and Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPA) president Dr. Edgardo Juan Tolentino, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the only way to prevent and fight weight gain that may eventually lead to obesity.

Long-term, intense exercise

It has been said over and over again that exercise is good for overall wellness. But, Tolentino stressed, long-term commitment to exercise is necessary to reap its benefits.

Effects of exercising can be noticeable only after two and a half to four months. But only when exercises are performed an hour a day for five days a week, as the experts recommended. Tolentino also suggested that the exercises should be intense and not repetitive.

He also said that all benefits will be gone when you stop exercising. "It's not a one-shot deal," he said.  

Tolentino also said that exercise should not be limited to the already fit and healthy. There are many available guidelines for pregnant women and old people on how to exercise based on their current state of life.

Well-balanced, low calorie diet

A proper diet does not eliminate any of the food groups, unless in special cases when health is already an issue, Sy told GMA News Online.

"You have to eat a well-balanced diet. Low calorie, well-balanced diet. Kapag sinabing well-balanced, it has to have carbohydrates, fats, protein," she said.

Eliminating any food groups from the diet may cause deficiency. For example, if you take out protein from the diet, you may suffer from hair loss .

Thirsty? Skip the colored drinks and stick with water. It has no calories, Sy suggested.

Good health important in nation-building

Also at the forum, Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) president Dr. Anthony Leachon said the government and the private sector should also do its part in preventing and fighting obesity.

"Basically, the first world countries have controlled their environment, mandating the agencies to do their share in health-related activities towards nation-building," he said.

Take a cue from Singapore, Leachon pointed out. Singapore has banned smoking in streets, built bike lanes, and added healthy menus in their food establishments.  

Human capital is important in building economy, and a sick work force won't be productive, he said.

According to the PCP president, the question remains: Is the government really trying to augment or boost up human capital?

Leachon answered, "Your guess is as good as mine." — BM, GMA News