Does being skinny mean that you are off the hook from getting diabetes?

In an interview on CNA Daily Cuts, Dr Sue Anne Toh, endocrinologist and Founder, CEO, and Medical Director of NOVI Health, talked about a growing trend among young Singaporeans.

Calorie counting may help with immediate weight loss, but when it comes to maintaining that weight loss and ensuring overall health, the quality of nutrition, hormone regulation, and metabolism all play important roles.

Diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, is a growing global health crisis driven largely by lifestyle factors.  Singapore’s battle against this chronic disease began in 2016 when the government declared a "war on diabetes." But how much progress has been made, and is there more to be done?

This 14 November marks World Diabetes Day, a global event that is aimed at raising awareness about diabetes and its impact on millions of people worldwide. This year’s theme is “Diabetes and Well-being,” which highlights a crucial message: managing diabetes isn’t just about controlling blood sugar levels. It’s about nurturing your overall physical and mental health to live a fuller, healthier life.

A higher waist-hip ratio (WHR) indicates more abdominal fat relative to your hips, which is a risk factor for several health conditions including cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.

Nutrition and fitness are both important components of health. They work together in synergy to support your well-being and longevity. So if you’re looking to maintain or improve your overall health and wellness, it’s crucial to pay attention to both of these factors.

Metabolic health refers to how well the body is able to use, process, and store energy.

Regular exercise enhances the effectiveness of insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. Aim for a combination of aerobic and strength/resistance training for optimal results.

Muscle mass loss also makes it harder to continue your weight loss journey, and makes weight regain easier when you stop GLP-1 RAs. Muscle mass also has a negative effect on blood sugar control.

Weight loss can help to balance hormone levels, which makes continued weight loss easier. This can be achieved through lifestyle changes, sometimes along with weight loss medications known as GLP-1 RAs.

Don't let price hold you back from getting a body checkup. Many affordable health screening packages are available in Singapore; find out more here.

While these medications are generally safe and effective, some people may experience side effects. Fortunately, most of these side effects are manageable, and severe reactions are rare. Knowing what to expect and how to minimize discomfort can help you continue your treatment successfully.

As women enter their 40s, the natural process of aging (and the beginning of perimenopause) brings a host of new challenges, from maintaining energy levels to preserving muscle strength and cognitive function. Alongside these changes, managing or losing weight becomes increasingly difficult.

A DEXA scan is the most common way to test bone mineral density. DEXA scans are painless and relatively quick to perform.

As men age, maintaining or losing weight becomes increasingly challenging. This is due to many factors including declining metabolism, decreasing testosterone, and less activity

Updating your workout is essential to counteract age-related changes that include declining energy, reduced muscle mass, increased belly fat, and less flexible joints.

Women in their 40s see a lot of changes in their body - including belly fat, lower energy levels, and reduced muscle mass. Updating your workout is essential to counteract these age-related changes.

Maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise can be powerful tools in managing weight during the perimenopausal stage, during menopause and post-menopause.

Levels of sex hormones have a major impact on many different body systems, including the bones, muscles, skin, brain, and cardiovascular system. Blood tests are the most accurate way to measure the levels of these hormones.