S'pore approach to obesity won't work
DR SARA Oh's observation, 'Singaporeans' growing girth alarms visitor' (ST, June 9), states pretty much the obvious - obesity currently does not have a solution. In fact, it is getting worse.
Statistics on obese children trotted out last year were probably understated because the body mass index yardstick for obesity were changed early last year. A new survey to determine the level of obesity in schools will likely indicate an alarming increase. One need be only a little observant in public places to come to the conclusion that Singaporean adults are probably worse off.
Obesity seems unlikely to find a solution as long as parents are ignorant and ill-disciplined themselves when it comes to food. Most parents allow their children to mirror their unhealthy food choices.
Of concern is the manner in which adults allow fast-food advertisements to dictate to children the consumption of a variety of unhealthy food. One may argue that a plate of char kway teow is more unhealthy but unlike fast food, it is not consumed daily. There is also no enticement via advertisements to consume unhealthy local food.
Fast-food businesses realised decades ago that when taste buds are conditioned from a young age, these will probably ensure they have a customer for a lifetime. Advertisements are directed at an undiscerning young audience with the usual gimmicks which frequently include the collection of toys with the purchase of a set meal. This has, and will always, work wonders for such businesses.
Children may not have any purchasing power and have to persuade their parents or grandparents to take them to the restaurant. Which is an added bonus for fast-food businesses because it makes at least two customers.
Fast-food businesses are not concerned about the consequences of aggressive promotion of junk food when it comes to their bottom line.
Just after promising to promote healthier menus, customers are now usually greeted by the sight of an ice-cream stall at the entrance of the restaurant. An ever-increasing variety of toppings fits the perfect definition of junk.
Governments seem fearful of antagonising big businesses when it comes to 'encouraging' them to provide healthy menus. But it is time market forces were disallowed to dictate the health of Singaporeans because the long-term medical and social costs far outweigh the benefits of short-term provision of employment and tax revenues from fast-food businesses.
The Government has to be more proactive in engaging food businesses, big or small.
It saddens me to see parents ruining the lives of their already overweight children by providing them with even more junk food. Case in point - a hearty breakfast is one that includes soft drinks and fried food for many. Worse, this is even seen as a reward.
Genetic causes have been blamed by many for obesity even though there was a fraction of obesity cases a generation ago. Food with high sugar content is termed 'rich' by society. The denial and ignorance of a serious medical condition comes in many ways.
Parents have now relegated their responsibilities to schools which should only be institutions of learning. What is the point of half an hour of exercise in school when ill discipline and unhealthy food choices greet a child at home?
It is a fallacy to believe obesity can be cured simply with the current approach. The biggest experiment with leaving things to 'educational means' and market forces has already been carried out in the United States with disastrous consequences - almost two-thirds of Americans are currently overweight. Our approach, which is no different, will result in a similar situation.
Obesity should be viewed as an addiction as it is caused by a habit of unhealthy food over a long period of time. Similar to other addictions, it requires monumental effort and support by family members and friends to be overcome.
The current initiatives by schools and the Ministry of Health will not work because parental guidance and responsibility have been totally lacking in our approach.
Phillip Ang Keng Hong
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