The number of obese and overweight members of the community is on the rise, and the latest available statistics show that close to seven in 10 are at risk of weight-related health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. -- PHOTOS: NHB, ST PHOTO, TERENCE TAN
MADAM Rabiah Anton's weight shot up after she gave birth to her two sons over 20 years ago, and she was unable to lose any of it.
A year ago, weighing over 80kg and fed-up with huffing and puffing with every slight exertion, she decided that she had to shed the unhealthy excess pounds.
'I began walking almost every day, until I could brisk-walk for an hour,' said the 49-year-old housewife.
As for her diet, she cut out all snacks such as chocolates and carbonated drinks. 'I used to have Coca-Cola with every meal, now it's plain water,' she noted.
Deep-fried foods and rich gravies were also exchanged for soups and boiled items.
The hard work paid off and she lost a respectable 10kg. The back pains she used to suffer from have vanished.
'I feel lighter and it's very easy to move around now,' she said.
Unlike Madam Rabiah, not enough Malays are doing something about their weight.
The number of obese and overweight members of the community is on the rise, and the latest available statistics show that close to seven in 10 are at risk of weight-related health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.
More is being done at the community level to teach people about healthy cooking and encourage them to exercise, by holding such activities at mosques, for example.
As for Madam Rabiah, she is happy with her progress so far, and is determined to continue losing weight.
'If I didn't do anything, sooner or later my health would be affected. At the end of the day, I would be the loser,' she said.
