Obesity is linked to increased risks of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, joint problems and premature death.
With obesity affecting almost a billion people worldwide, the World Obesity Federation aims to address the global crisis on World Obesity Day tomorrow (Monday), the South China Morning Post reported.
Rising obesity rates are alarming and evident in Hong Kong, where 32.6% of adults are now classified as obese, according to the Department of Health's Population Health Survey 2020-22.
Professor Alice Kong of the Chinese University of Hong Kong warns that obesity is linked to increased risks of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, joint problems and premature death.
As the economic burden grows, the World Obesity Atlas 2023 projects a significant increase in healthcare expenditures related to overweight people in China alone.
American nutrition researcher Dr. Neal Barnard, in his upcoming book, “The Power Foods Diet,” presents an innovative plan that mimics the effects of weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, but without the side effects.
Barnard emphasizes a low-fat, plant-based diet as an effective, affordable, side-effect-free solution to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Barnard identifies “energy foods” with attributes such as appetite suppression, calorie capture, and metabolism stimulation. Berries, greens, melons, citrus fruits, and legumes fall into this category. Cinnamon, ginger and hot peppers also show slimming effects.
Barnard's book, which encourages a three-week trial, offers an easy-to-follow meal plan and more than 120 plant-based recipes. It warns against fad diets, calorie restriction, and the misconception of avoiding carbohydrates.
Regular exercise, enough sleep, and stress management stand out as crucial components to combating obesity and achieving sustainable weight loss.
