Want to Lose Weight? Think Lifestyle not Diets.

Modern life is significantly impacting the waistlines and longevity of many Thai people. For an increasing number of Thailand’s adult population, the challenge of obesity has become a daily reality. From 2008 to 2012, the obesity rate amongst young Thai adults (20-29 years), rose 36 per cent among men, while statistics for women revealed a dramatic 47 per cent increase!

 

Short term fixes and remedies, including plastic surgery, liposuction, and intense weight loss crash diets, are popular options for some, but as our understanding of obesity and the way the human body works evolves more people are seeking long term, sustainable fat reduction programs rather than quick fixes.

 

“More than 50 per cent of my patients come to lose fat,” says Vitallife Wellness Centre hormone and sports medicine specialist, says Dr. Somboon Roongphornchai, wellness specialist physician at Vitallife Wellness Center, Bumrungrad International Hospital. “In the last few years we have seen a threefold increase in patients and referrals, and the age of people seeking help is getting younger and younger.  It is not just a concern about weight.  It is a combination of body shape, general health and fitness and mobility too.”

 

Dr. Somboon’s patients come to the Center looking for a new holistic approach. “People put on weight in different parts of the body for different reasons, much of it related to hormone levels,” explains Dr. Somboon. “We take a look at everything that is going on in their body and help them develop a personalised program to reduce body fat in the short term and ensure it stays off in the long term.”

 

The emphasis on medical science is fundamental to the Center’s approach.  Individual analysis and programs begin with a physical check-up and blood test to identify the levels of key hormones such as insulin and estrogen.  Insulin is a key hormone. It regulates the release of glucose used for energy and also helps muscles, fat, and liver cells store it for release when needed.  Maintaining stable insulin levels through diet and exercise is a key building block to a healthy life and reduced risk of obesity. Weight training and short bursts of exercise three to four times a week help you keep your insulin levels at a healthy level.

 

Another important hormone is the female hormone estrogen. Reduced estrogen levels can cause the body to use starches and blood sugar less effectively, which in turn, can increase fat storage. Estrogen works best when the body is free from contamination originating from diet toxins in the body.  Hence a key task is to avoid chemicals and insecticides and increase consumption of organic fruit and vegetables, as well as lamb or organic pork and poultry.

 

Dr. Somboon summarizes his approach to weight management this way, “We bring a holistic program of exercise and diet together with natural supplements and minerals such as chromium, vanadium, and fibre in order to reduce body fat in a comprehensive way. Adding, “The pleasing thing about the program is that they feel different and much more energy in the first month and that motivates them to continue with the program.”

 

Dr. Somboon recognizes that as the challenge of obesity in Thailand continues to grow, the choice to live a healthy lifestyle still remains a deeply personal one. “We cannot force anyone to make these significant life transforming decisions.  But we can help them understand the science, and the many benefits of choosing a healthy lifestyle.”