Fat facts: Do you know what’s good and what’s bad?

QUESTION 1

Then and now: Which comparison between Singaporeans in the past and today is true?

The average Singaporean today is 2kg lighter compared to a decade ago, thanks to the prevalence of slimming treatments

Despite changes in diet, the weight of the average Singaporean has not changed over the past decade because people exercise more today.

The average Singaporean today is 3kg heavier compared to a decade ago due to an increase in calorie intake

Though Singaporeans have become more active in recent years, there has been an increasing trend in Singaporeans exceeding their recommended intake of calories.

QUESTION 2

There is no cause for concern if your child is overweight, as they will easily outgrow their baby fat.

TRUE

FALSE

Contrary to popular belief, overweight children do not outgrow their baby fat easily. About 70 per cent of overweight/severely overweight children remained overweight/obese at adulthood.

QUESTION 3

Big little kids: How many Singaporean five-year-olds are overweight?

10 per cent of all our five-year-olds are overweight

None of them, as five years is too young an age to measure a person's BMI

50 per cent of all our five-year-olds are overweight

It is difficult to reverse the trend of weight-gain once a child is on the trajectory of being overweight. This is why it is important to cultivate healthier lifestyle habits at a younger age.

QUESTION 4

Ladies - which of the following meal combinations gets you closest to your recommended daily intake of 1,800 calories?

Breakfast: 1 prata with egg

Lunch: 1 plate of chicken rice + 1 cup of teh

Dinner: 1 bowl of mee goreng

Breakfast: 1 slice of french toast + 1 packet of milo

Lunch: 1 bowl of Healthier Choice Symbol instant noodles + 1 soya bean drink with sugar

Dinner: 1 plate of nasi briyani with chicken

Breakfast: 1 Croissan'wich with Chicken sausage +1 cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream

Lunch: 1 McSpicy + large french fries + 1 can of coca cola

Dinner: 1 bowl of prawn noodle soup

Breakfast: 1 slice of french toast (149 kcal) and 1 packet of milo (150 kcal)

Lunch: 1 bowl of Healthier Choice Symbol instant noodles (480 kcal) + 1 soya bean drink with sugar (158 kcal)

Dinner: 1 plate of nasi briyani with chicken (877 kcal)

TOTAL: 1,814 kcal
Good news - you can still enjoy that plate of nasi briyani if you balance out your other food choices for the day!

Find out more about the calorie count of local dishes.

QUESTION 5

True or false: Snacks like cereal bars, nuts and fruit smoothies are known to be healthy, so you can have as much as you like!

TRUE

FALSE

Some food and drinks may appear healthy, but boast an unexpectedly high amount of calories due to the high sugar or fat content. A glass of fruit smoothie, for example, contains 325kcal. If you were to drink a glass daily on top of your regular diet, you may gain 9kg to 15kg in a year. As with all things, moderation is key!

QUESTION 6

When do most Singaporeans get fat?

Between the ages of 55 and 65, as that is when most Singaporeans retire.

Between the ages of 10 and 14 for females and 12 and 16 for males, most likely due to the onset of puberty.

Between the ages of 21 and 39, possibly because of the transition into the workforce.

This may be because of the desk-bound nature of most Singaporeans' jobs. Men especially experience a 4kg weight gain on average within their first decade of entering the workforce.

The Health Promotion Board recently released its most extensive data on Singaporeans and obesity. Take the quiz to find out more.

The Health Promotion Board recently released its most extensive data on Singaporeans and obesity.
Take the quiz to find out more.