Health x Wellness
2 out of 5 Singaporeans rate their physical health as poor
Herbalife Nutrition’s Asia Pacific Health Inertia Survey 2021 finds 44 percent of Singaporeans rating their physical health as poor compared to the regional average of 39 percent.
Conducted in July and August 2021, the survey was conducted in July – August 2021 and polled 5,496 consumers aged 18 and above across 11 Asia Pacific countries and cities. The survey shares insights about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumers’ health, as well as their attitudes and behaviours towards improving their well-being.
The survey found that more than 2 in 5 (44 percent) Singaporeans rate their physical health as ‘poor’ with the top reason cited for this negative impact being the lack of physical activity (67 percent) by respondents whose physical health has deteriorated.
Wishing the pandemic away takes a toll on physical health
Unhealthy eating habits have been used as a coping mechanism during the pandemic, driven by access to unhealthy snacks (71 percent) and binge-eating due to anxiety (44 percent).
Only 2 in 5 (45 percent) Singaporeans started eating healthier as a result of the pandemic. This is below the regional average of 65 percent with Singapore ranking below five other countries and cities.
Dealing with the aftermath of unhealthy habits brought about by living with the pandemic
The survey also includes some positive findings. An overwhelming majority (86 percent) of Singaporeans intend to adopt healthier diets in the next 12 months.
Among the key steps they would take to improve their diets include drinking more water (73 percent), incorporating more vegetables and fruits into their meals (60 percent) and reducing consumption of sugar and sweets (60 percent).
60 percent also are looking forward to using a regular exercise routine with top motivations being getting in shape (47 percent) and to improve their physical health (45 percent).
Adopting a healthy lifestyle as the solution
Compared to 12 months ago, 24 percent of Singaporeans feel that their current state of mental health has worsened. However, a similar proportion (21 percent) has seen improvements. With the latter group, exercising (54 percent) was cited as the top factor that contributed to better mental health.
The results attest to what science has long proven: that physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that leave people feeling happier and more relaxed. Amid hectic schedules, even frequent bouts of physical activity – or ‘exercise snacks’ – can go a long way in improving moods and sedentary lifestyles. Coupled with good carbohydrates such as fruits, non-starchy vegetables and whole grains, individuals can lower blood glucose throughout the day, thus keeping lethargy and hunger at bay.
Dr Luigi Gratton, Herbalife Nutrition’s Vice President, Training
Cover photo by Alora Griffiths on Unsplash
