Take charge today

Maintaining a healthy weight range must become the goal of all Malaysians at all stages of life. It is important to minimise the risk of chronic diseases in adults. Maintaining a healthy weight throughout childhood may reduce the risk of becoming an overweight or obese adult.

It is not about looking good. It is about being healthy.

I do believe that the recommendations above are achievable - we just have to tune our mind towards believing in them and actually doing them. Every Malaysian should know his body weight. He should monitor this weight regularly and take steps to maintain it within a desirable range.

For those who are overweight or obese, use these guidelines to help you reduce body weight and maintain it at the healthy range. Losing excess body weight is notoriously difficult. It is nevertheless possible; what is required is determination and discipline. There are no short cuts or quick ways to losing the extra kilos. Do be wary of the various programmes that promise quick weight-loss, that do not require any diet control or exercise.

Complete text of the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines 2010 can be downloaded from the Ministry of Health website: www.moh.gov.my. The Nutrition Society of Malaysia has also made available leaflets of these MDG suitable for the public (www.nutriweb.org.my).

NutriScene is a fortnightly column by Dr Tee E Siong, who pens his thoughts as a nutritionist with over 30 years of experience in the research and public health arena. For further information, e-mail starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader's own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.

-The Star/Asia News Network