More Singaporeans eating healthier diets, but many still not meeting exercise requirements

Singaporeans are becoming more aware of healthy eating habits, but many are not meeting the recommended weekly exercise standards.

In a study recently published in The Annals, over 800 non-diabetic Singaporeans aged 30–64 were surveyed on their knowledge, attitudes and lifestyle practices in preventing Type 2 Diabetes.

Nearly 90 per cent of respondents would reduce their consumption of sweet drinks, cakes and candies, and more than two-thirds choose wholemeal bread over white bread. But while most were aware of the impact of diabetes on their health, there are still gaps in knowledge, such as the causes of diabetes.

Many believe that eating too much sugar is the main cause of the disease. However, as diabetes is a disease of multifactorial pathogenesis (meaning that it actually has several causes), its prevention involves more than just abstaining from sugars or sweet foods.

“The public may be unaware that starchy foods such as rice and noodles would still be converted to sugar in our digestive systems, and this may have a similar effect to direct consumption of sweet treats,” said Associate Professor Luo Nan, Health Systems and Behavioural Sciences Domain Leader.

The study also looked at physical activity of the participants and found that only one quarter met the Health Promotion Board’s weekly recommendations of 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical intensity. Common barriers for not doing enough exercise include a busy work schedule, lack of time and being occupied by other priorities.

“Workplace interventions significantly increase physical activity levels and overall physiological health. Quick and easy workplace-focused exercise and fitness programmes with easy accessibility to exercise avenues such as gyms could be viable options to overcome these barriers,” added A/Prof Luo.

The study was led by A/Prof Luo Nan, and Assistant Professor Seow Wei Jie. It was initially conducted by 38 students from NUS Yong Yoo Lin School of Medicine as part of the School’s Community Health Project, after which 11 of them finished the study and published the paper with A/Prof Luo and Dr Seow.

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