Q&A WITH DOCTOR: OBESITY RISKS IN OFFICE WORKERS – KNOW THE FACTS, STAY IN CONTROL

⏰ Do you spend eight hours a day sitting at your desk with little physical activity? Do you often snack between meals to “curb hunger” but find it hard to control your calorie intake? 

⛹️ Have you tried countless weight-loss hacks you found online, yet your weight keeps creeping up? You’ve heard obesity is dangerous, but aren’t sure how it really affects your health? 

👉 Don’t let these questions remain unanswered! Join MSc. Dr. Nguyễn Phương Anh – Nutrition Specialist at CarePlus International Clinics – as she addresses these common, practical questions that anyone who is overweight, obese, or at risk should know! 

⛔ Overweight and obesity are becoming increasingly common among office workers – even among those with a seemingly normal weight. The main cause lies in a sedentary lifestyle combined with snacking habits and consuming sugary drinks during afternoon breaks.  

👉 Therefore, understanding your body and your personal risk level is the first step towards effective weight management and prevention. 

 ✅ Recognizing this concern, CarePlus has compiled the most frequently asked questions we receive via our fanpage and during consultations. We hope these easy-to-remember, straightforward answers help you take better care of your health every day. 

Question 1: I used to worry about obesity just because of its effect on appearance, but I’ve recently heard it can cause serious illnesses. Could you explain how obesity impacts our health?  

Doctor's answer: Obesity doesn’t just affect appearance; it significantly increases the risk of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, fatty liver, and even certain cancers. Additionally, excess body weight places greater stress on weight-bearing joints like the knees and raises the risk of sleep apnea due to fat accumulation around the neck and chest. 

Question 2: My weight is still within the normal range, but my gym’s InBody scan shows I have a high body fat percentage. Does this mean I’m obese? 

Doctor's answer: Obesity isn’t assessed by body mass index (BMI) alone; body fat percentage also matters. Specifically, if body fat exceeds 30% in women and 25% in men, a person can be classified as obese—even if their overall weight is normal. To accurately determine this, you should measure body composition using an InBody or similar device. This helps detect “hidden obesity” early and manage health more effectively.  

Question 3: I’m over 50 now. I used to lose weight quite easily, but now, even eating less doesn’t help much. Is it true that weight loss gets harder with age? 

Doctor's answer: Yes, weight loss becomes more challenging with age because cellular metabolism slows down, reducing daily energy needs, and muscle mass naturally declines over time. Older adults also tend to be less active. Weight loss at this stage should be gradual; drastic calorie cuts can lead to rapid weight loss that mainly results from muscle loss rather than fat reduction. 

Question 4: I often hear conflicting advice: some say just eat less to lose weight, while others emphasize exercise. Which approach is safer and more effective? 

Doctor's answer: Weight loss occurs when the body is in a negative energy balance—meaning energy intake from food is lower than the energy burned through daily activities and exercise. The bigger this gap, the more weight you can lose. Combining a calorie-controlled diet with increased physical activity is the most effective approach. While diet contributes the most to initial weight loss, exercise—especially strength training—helps maintain muscle mass, supports long-term health, and reduces the likelihood of regaining weight. 

Question 5: I work in an office and often replace breakfast with a fruit juice to save time and hopefully lose weight faster. Is this healthy? 

Doctor's answer: After a long night’s sleep, your body has used up most of its energy reserves and needs proper nutrition to start the day—especially if you need to focus on work in the morning. Skipping breakfast or replacing it with low-calorie juices can leave you hungry quickly, lower your work performance, and make weight control harder. Instead of skipping meals, it’s better to reduce your overall daily calorie intake, while ensuring you have a proper breakfast and gradually decreasing food intake toward dinner to match your activity levels. 

🎯 And so you don’t just guess but truly understand your body, CarePlus offers a Nutrition Consultation for adult, including: 

 ✔ Anthropometric assessment 

✔ Clinical examination 

✔ 24-hour dietary recall 

✔ Necessary laboratory tests and imaging diagnostic 

✔ Personalized diet and exercise counseling tailored to your health conditions, body type, and lifestyle 

 ✨ The goal isn’t just to manage weight—but to achieve balanced nutrition, increase muscle mass, reduce body fat, maintain long-term health, and feel more confident every day! 

👉 For appointments or inquiries, please call our free hotline 1800 6116 today! 

CAREPLUS INTERNATIONAL CLINICS  

Associate of Singapore Medical Group