People who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and diabetes. They are also at greater risk of having other contributory factors for heart disease such as hypertension, high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and low HDL (“good”) cholesterol. If your Body Mass Index (BMI) exceeds the healthy weight range for a person of your height, weight management is recommended: losing just 10% of your current weight can significantly reduce your chances of developing weight-related coronary risk factors. For diabetics in particular, weight and dietary control are essential because diabetes makes them more vulnerable to high blood pressure, cholesterol disorders, and atherosclerosis.
Read more: Diabetes and Overweight / Obesity as Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease
Below are some ways of shedding excess body weight:
Alternatively, with a referral letter from your cardiologist or family doctor, you may join a hospital-based weight managed programme. Such programmes are available at:
Changi General Hospital
http://www.cgh.com.sg
Sports Medicine Clinic
Tel: 6850-3333
Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
http://www.ktph.com.sg
Integrated Care for Obesity and Diabetes (ICOD)
Tel: 6555 8000
Singapore General Hospital
http://www.sgh.com.sg
LIFE Centre
Tel: 6222 3322