Regular exercise, healthy diet best methods for fighting obesity

A researcher from the Lao STEP Survey on Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors Research Project has warned that obesity is a major factor leading to hypertension and high cholesterol.

Obesity leads to greater risk of hypertension and other non-communicable diseases.

A team member of the project, Associate Professor Dr Vang Chu, said that 42 percent of Lao people are overweight and 11 percent are obese.

“As you know, obesity causes various non-communicable diseases,” he said.People whose parents and relatives are overweight will be at greater risk of obesity. in addition, lifestyle habits also contribute to the risk of obesity.

For the first group, a strict diet can help to avoid the problem, while for the second group, changing daily lifestyle habits is very important in protecting against obesity.

In addition, Dr Vangchu, who is also Head of the Cardiological Ward at Mahosot Hospital, said that regular exercise and a healthy diet are important in avoiding obesity.

Dr Vangchu also urged the relevant authorities to provide more information and health education on obesity in local communities to ensure the condition is not a social burden in the years to come. Raising awareness of obesity amongst young people is also important in combating the condition.

Source: Vientiane TimesBy Xayxana LeukaiMarch 26, 2011