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SCMP Editorial

The global surge in the number of people who are overweight or obese has rightly focused attention on the need to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
But at a time when we are increasingly bombarded with advice on what to eat and drink, many turn to fad diets in a bid to lose weight or gain other claimed health benefits.
A study conducted by the Hong Kong Nutrition Association in recent months suggests a surprisingly high proportion – about 40 per cent – of Hong Kong people have tried such diets.
More than half of those that did opted for intermittent fasting, which involves skipping meals, and 43 per cent adopted a low-carbohydrate diet.
Their motivations were primarily a desire to lose weight or to be healthier. But the association has warned, with good reason, that such diets are often not backed by sufficient scientific evidence and can be counterproductive, leading to other health problems.
It is worrying that more than half of the respondents had used unverified information on social media. More than 40 per cent sought advice from friends or relatives.
There is a need to ensure that choices made with regard to our lifestyle, especially diet, are informed, backed by science and appropriate for our needs. Anyone in doubt should seek professional medical advice, especially if they have specific health conditions.
Caution needs to be exercised where extreme diets are concerned, such as those that call for fasting, or those that strictly limit consumption of a whole food group or encourage people to eat mainly one type of food.
Such diets, often promoted by those with commercial interests, may claim to be a fast, magical solution for losing weight or for the gaining of significant health benefits. But many promise more than they deliver and they can be detrimental.
The best approach is the adoption of a sensible, balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, while restricting consumption of fast food and other unhealthy snacks. Exercising sufficiently, tackling stress and sleeping well are also important components.
Maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle is important in the battle against obesity and its associated health problems. But the strategies adopted to achieve this should be backed by science, rather than outlandish claims or social media trends.


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Healthy eating

Rely on science, not fads, for weight loss

The keto diet is among many promoted online. Photo: Shutterstock

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Opinion

A study found that 40 per cent of Hongkongers have tried alternative diets. But many promise more than they deliver and can be detrimental


A study found that 40 per cent of Hongkongers have tried alternative diets. But many promise more than they deliver and can be detrimental.


Wellness

Disease

Health & Fitness

Veganism and vegetarianism

Food and Drinks

Expresses the views, ideas and conclusions of the author. (Eg. Enough of Crazy Rich Asians, think of crazy poor Hongkongers.)


Column

Editorial

Rely on science, not fads, for weight loss

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}A study found that 40 per cent of Hongkongers have tried alternative diets. But many promise more than they deliver and can be detrimental

A study found that 40 per cent of Hongkongers have tried alternative diets. But many promise more than they deliver and can be detrimental