When I first came to Thailand, I wondered: given the healthy Thai cuisine, why
are so many people - especially expats - overweight?
Take a look on any street: at least one in three expats is
obese. This is a high percentage, comparable only with the ‘fattest’ States in
the USA, and is responsible for many of the health problems some expats have to
deal with after living just for a few years in their new home.
But how exactly is ‘overweight’ actually defined? That’s an
easy one: to calculate your BMI (Body Mass Index), you simply divide your weight
in kilograms by the square of your height (or multiply your weight in pounds
with 703 and divide the result by the square of your inches). At a height of
1.72m and 75kg weight, the formula would be: [75 ๗ (1.72 m)ฒ = BMI 25.4] (or at
150 lbs weight and 5’5" (65") height: [150 ๗ 65ฒ] x 703 = 24.96). Overweight is
defined as a BMI of 25.0 or greater, obesity starts at 30.0. According to
doctors, a BMI higher than 27.5 imposes major risk factors for cardiovascular
disease, certain types of cancer, type 2 diabetes and joint problems.
But what makes some of us so prone to gain weight rapidly in
Thailand? Alcohol is one explanation, fats another. Of course, many expats drink
too much and forget (or repress) that alcoholic beverages are real calorie
bombs. And, many Thai kitchens cook with too much fat, and in the past several
years, the food has become too sweet and salty; while these dishes may taste
good, they are no longer healthy.
But from where does this tendency to eat and drink too much
derive? One explanation is that eating and drinking is a compensation option for
everyday frustration and boredom. Many expats have little to fill their days,
and kill time by eating and drinking. For some, a visit to the buffet can be the
highlight of the week.
As a sex therapist, I have to mention the hormonal and
psychological changes experienced, particularly by aging men. In their younger
years it was their daily goal to have sex and workout, now that they are older,
the epitome of sensual delight is enjoying their lunch or dinner ...
unfortunately to the chagrin of their body and often enough also of their
psyche. Because obesity increases the incidence of depression, a vicious spiral
might be triggered driving them to eat even more.
One of the difficulties in finding a balanced diet, is that
eating too much often has downright addictive dynamics. This is one reason why
serious weight loss programs always involve counseling and psychotherapy as an
integral part of the recovery plan. One can do a lot alone - but with some
outside support, success usually comes much easier and faster.
|
Richard L. Fellner is a trained counselor and
psychotherapist. He is head of the Counseling Center Pattaya in Soi
Khopai and offers consultations in English and German languages
(after making appointments at 0854 370 470). |
