| People |
SEPTEMBER , 2021 | THE HEALTH
21
Helping combat obesity
Lockdowns are the best time for you to challenge yourself to get into a fitness regime and change your lifestyle
BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN
MALAYSIA has the highest rate of obesity and being overweight in the Asian region and has been deemed as the fattest country in Asia .
The 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey ( NHMS 2019 ) found that half of the Malaysian ’ s adult population was either overweight ( 30.4 per cent ) or obese ( 19.7 per cent ).
NHMS 2019 also revealed that overweight and obesity levels were high among women ( 54.7 per cent ), especially women of Indian ethnicity ( 63.9 per cent ), and those aged 55 to 59 ( 60.9 per cent ).
These findings are worrisome as obesity comes with the risk of developing noncommunicable diseases ( NCDs ) or chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes .
And now , thanks to the sedentary lifestyle during lockdowns , the obesity rate seems to be increasing much faster .
Nutritional fitness trainer Rita Dhamo is determined and eager to do her part in combating obesity by coaching those in need through lifestyle modification .
Lifestyle modification is important
Rita aims to successfully create the awareness to be fit and help people achieve their healthy ideal weight .
“ It is not just about losing weight , but to modify one ’ s lifestyle to a much healthier and active one ,” said Rita .
As such , her weight loss programme , 60 Days Challenge , is based on the ‘ 80 per cent nutrition and 20 per cent exercise ’ regime which helps people to achieve their healthy ideal weight through lifestyle modification .
Rita added : " Trainees are coached to lead a balanced healthy lifestyle based on the regime , which includes a nutritious meal plan , regular body workout and physical activity , sleep quality , stress management and of course nurturing a positive and determined mindset .”
“ So , when the trainees follow every aspect of the programme for 60 days , the lifestyle gradually becomes habitual . Some of my trainees are continuing their fitness journey with their family even after the programme .
“ I have trainees who have reached their respective weight loss goals within the timeframe and are now medication free from diseases such as diabetes and hypertension .
“ We also provide consultation and motivation , because along the way of the programme , some people tend to give up and not finish to the end of the line .”
Rita shared that most of her trainees were women compared to men .
“ In fact , most of the time the men are usually a family member or spouse joining in with the female trainee ,” she shared .
The 60 Days Challenge coaching is done entirely online via zoom and trainees are provided with a fitness tracker device , monitored via an app .
The online platform also allows participation from other countries such as Singapore , India and Australia .
Those who are interested in joining the Rita ’ s 60 Days Challenge programme , can head to ' Rita Dr Y & Dr S Fitness ' Facebook page for further information .
Making the most of the lockdown
Rita noted that the sedentary lifestyle during the lockdowns and movement control orders ( MCOs ) have been one of the causes for weight gains .
However , she believes that lockdowns are also the best time for one to get into a fitness regime and change their lifestyle . “ Prior to the pandemic , we usually hear people complaining of having tight schedules and unable to find time to exercise .”
“ But now , since we are locked in , we are able to allocate time to exercise at the comfort of our own home and space .”
“ Some of the best workouts to do at home for weight loss include HIIT workouts , such as burpees , lunges and squats , as well as cardio workouts .”
Trainee turned trainer
Prior to becoming a certified trainer , Rita , a young mother of two , was diagnosed with a herniated disc , which was causing pain and disrupted her daily life .
“ For seven years , I was unable to step
Trainees are coached to lead a balanced healthy lifestyle based on the regime , which includes a nutritious meal plan , regular body workout and physical activity , sleep quality , stress management and of course nurturing a positive and determined mindset .”
– Rita Dhamo
out of my house without painkillers . It was so bad that the doctor insisted I undergo surgery .”
Opting out of the surgery , Rita gave up her job instead , in the hope that resting at home would help .
“ But unfortunately , that wasn ’ t the case . My condition got worse to the extent I couldn ’ t move . I then started to gain weight because of the passive lifestyle due to immobility and medication .
“ It became very depressing and soon after I decided to change my lifestyle .”
It was then Rita became a trainee for the 60 Days Challenge programme .
“ I lost about 10 kilos and I made it to my ideal weight . And the best part is I became medication free .
“ I then decided to reach out to others who might be struggling with their weight and suffering with health complications .
“ So , I got myself trained and verified to become a nutritional fitness trainer to help others through this lifestyle modification .” — The Health