The Link between Obesity, Heart Disease and Diabetes

Obesity is fast becoming a serious health challenge in Singapore. The condition affects 8.9% of Singaporean adults aged 18 to 59 years old and 6.9% of those aged 60 to 74. However, obesity has the highest prevalence among children and teens aged 6 to 18 at a whopping 13%.

Obesity increases the risk of a heart attack by 3 times and diabetes by 80 times. It is also a risk factor of other serious conditions like sleep apnoea etc. Therefore, it is important to act against obesity to lower our risk of heart disease, diabetes and other health challenges that may follow.

On 31 Jul 2021, Cardiologists Assoc Prof Jack Tan and Dr Natalie Koh came together with Endocrinologist Dr Tham Kwang Wei in a webinar and provided insights to the three chronic conditions – obesity, heart disease and diabetes, and tips to manage and reduce risks. A live Q&A was also conducted where the panellists answered questions from viewers.

Speakers also advised viewers on key actions they can take to reduce their risk of heart disease and diabetes. Dr Tham emphasised on the 3 ‘S’es in our lives – Stress, Sleep and Support, while Dr Koh advocated for viewers to take the first step in understanding their risks, to start exercising and get vaccinated against COVID-19. Assoc Prof Tan encouraged viewers to go for their annual health checks.

The lively and informative webinar, which was livestreamed on SHF’s YouTube channel, received a total of 826 views. Thank you to Novo Nordisk for supporting this webinar.