The Path to Sustainable Slimming in Singapore
- Calorie-dense local cuisine: Many popular Singaporean dishes are high in calories and unhealthy fats.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Long work hours and reliance on cars lead to lack of physical activity.
- “Healthy” options mislead: So-called healthy menu items often still contain hidden calories and fats.
- Fad diets don’t work: Quick-fix diets are unsustainable and can lead to yo-yo weight cycling.
- Health risks of excess weight: Being overweight increases risk of heart disease and diabetes.
- Gradual, sustainable approach works best: Small, consistent changes are key to long-term weight loss success.

Introduction: Why Singaporeans are Gaining Weight and the Importance of Slimming Down
As an Aesthetic Director with extensive experience in the field, I’ve observed a notable trend among Singaporeans regarding weight gain. This phenomenon, I believe, is multifaceted, stemming from a combination of lifestyle choices and environmental factors.
A new study has found that Singaporeans are gaining weight. The study, which was conducted by the National University of Singapore, found that the average weight of Singaporeans has increased by 2kg over the past 10 years. The study also found that the percentage of Singaporeans who are overweight or obese has increased from 18% to 24%.
There are several reasons why Singaporeans are gaining weight. One reason is that people are eating more calories than they were 10 years ago. Blame it on our lifestyle: long work hours, little exercise.
For this reason, I will share on how you can slim down in Singapore (with Singapore diet, weather and environment)

The “healthy” food options aren’t really helping Singaporeans
Ever feel like those “healthy” menu items are just playing tricks on us? I sure do. Here in Singapore, we’re always on the hunt for better food choices. But let’s be real – those so-called healthy options at restaurants often fall short.
Why “healthy” food options don’t cut it:
- They’re packed with hidden calories
- Fat content is still high
- Healthier choices cost more
It’s frustrating, right? We’re trying to eat well, but it feels like we’re being led astray. Even when eateries offer healthier alternatives, they hit our wallets harder. It’s like we’re being punished for wanting to take care of ourselves!
So what can we do? We need to be smart about our food choices. Let’s look beyond the “healthy” label and really understand what we’re eating. It’s time to demand better, truly healthy food options that don’t break the bank. After all, shouldn’t good health be accessible to everyone?
“Small changes can make a big difference – take the first step towards achieving your slimming goals in Singapore!”

The importance of weight loss for Singaporeans
Being overweight is like carrying around a health risk backpack. It ups our chances of heart troubles and diabetes – two big health baddies we’d rather avoid. Plus, in our hot and humid climate, extra weight can make us feel even more uncomfortable.So, what can we do? Here are some simple tips to get started:
- Eat earlier: Try to finish dinner by 8 pm
- Sleep well: Hit the sack early and wake up with the sun
- Snack smart: Swap chips for nuts or fruit
- Watch the carbs: Less rice, more veggies
- Stay hydrated: Aim for 8 glasses of water daily
Remember, it’s not about crash diets or extreme measures. Small, consistent changes can make a big difference.
The obesity rate among children and adolescents varied widely between the high of 16.3% in New Zealand, followed by 14.1% in Brunei Darussalam, and the low of 1.7% and 2.0% in Nepal and India respectively.

Fad Diets Don’t Work for Slimming Down in Singapore
Ever felt tempted by the latest diet craze promising miracle weight loss? I get it. With Singapore’s amazing food scene, keeping trim can be a challenge. But before you jump on the fad diet bandwagon, let’s chat about why they’re not the answer.
Fad diets might seem like a quick fix, but they’re about as useful as a chocolate teapot when it comes to long-term weight loss. Here’s the real deal:
- They’re too restrictive: Cutting out entire food groups? That’s a recipe for disaster, not weight loss.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Your body needs a balanced diet, not a crash course in starvation.
- Unsustainable: Let’s be honest, how long can you really survive on cabbage soup?
- Yo-yo effect: Lose weight fast, gain it back faster. It’s a rollercoaster nobody wants to ride.
Remember, there’s no magic bullet for weight loss in Singapore or anywhere else. It’s all about making sustainable lifestyle changes you can stick with long-term.

What does work: a slow and steady approach to fat loss
Trying to shed those extra pounds? I’ve been there, and let me tell you, the quick-fix diets are tempting. But here’s the real deal: slow and steady wins the race when it comes to fat loss.
Why gradual weight loss is the way to go
- It’s sustainable: You’re more likely to keep the weight off long-term
- It’s healthier: Rapid weight loss can mess with your metabolism
- It’s easier: Small, consistent changes are simpler to stick to
Tips for a steady fat loss journey
- Set realistic goals: Aim for 1-2 pounds per week
- Focus on whole foods: Ditch the processed stuff
- Move more: Find exercise you enjoy
- Track your progress: But don’t obsess over the scale
Remember, it’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. Slow and steady fat loss might not be flashy, but it works.

Understanding the Calories in Popular Singaporean Local Dishes
When it comes to Singaporean food, there’s no denying the unique blend of flavors and textures that make it so popular. However, with deliciousness often comes a high calorie count. In order to maintain a healthy diet, it’s important to understand the calories in the dishes you’re consuming. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Understanding Calories as a Singapore
- Calories are a measure of the energy content in food
- Consuming more calories than your body needs can lead to weight gain
- The recommended daily calorie intake for an adult is around 2000-2500 calories, depending on factors such as age, sex, and physical activity level
Common High-Calorie Singaporean Dishes (Top 10)
Singapore is known for its delicious local dishes, but many of them are high in calories. Popular dishes like nasi lemak, chicken rice, and laksa can contain over 500 calories per serving. To make healthier choices, it’s important to be aware of the calories in your favorite dishes and to choose smaller portions or lower-calorie alternatives. Here are the top 10 most high-calories Singaporean dishes and their calories.
Dish Name | Calories per Serving | Why is this dish high in calories? |
---|---|---|
Murtabak (Mutton) | 1102 kcal | Made with fatty meat and fried in oil |
Fried Ee Mee with Seafood | 1010 kcal | Fried noodles with seafood and high-fat sauces |
Nasi Goreng Sayur | 920 kcal | Fried rice with vegetables and high-fat sauces |
Char Kway Teow | 744 kcal | Fried noodles with sausage, egg, and high-fat sauce |
Hokkien Prawn Mee | 694 kcal | Fried noodles with prawns and high-fat sauces |
Roti Prata with Egg | 619 kcal | Fried bread with egg and high-fat curry sauce |
Nasi Lemak with Chicken | 595 kcal | Rice cooked in coconut milk with fried chicken |
Chicken Rice | 574 kcal | Rice cooked in chicken broth and served with chicken |
Satay (Chicken) | 400 kcal (for 10 skewers) | Grilled marinated meat with high-fat peanut sauce |
Laksa (Curry) | 700 kcal | Coconut-based curry soup with noodles and seafood |

Lower Calorie Alternatives to Singaporean Dishes
If you’re looking to maintain a healthy diet, but don’t want to give up your favorite Singaporean dishes, don’t worry – there are plenty of lower calorie options available. Here are some dishes and their lower calorie alternatives:
Bak Chor Mee
Bak chor mee is a popular Singaporean dish that usually contains minced pork, noodles, and a variety of toppings. However, the dish can be high in calories due to the oil and pork used in the recipe. A lower calorie alternative is to replace the pork with lean chicken or fish, and to use a smaller portion of noodles.
Char Kway Teow
Char kway teow is a stir-fried noodle dish that is typically made with thick rice noodles, eggs, Chinese sausage, and prawns. The dish can be high in calories due to the high-fat content of the sausage and prawns, as well as the large amount of oil used in the stir-fry process. A lower calorie alternative is to use a smaller amount of noodles, replace the sausage with lean chicken or tofu, and use a variety of vegetables such as bean sprouts, carrots, and bok choy.
Satay
Satay is a popular street food in Singapore, consisting of skewered and grilled meat served with peanut sauce. While delicious, satay can be high in calories due to the fatty cuts of meat used and the high-fat content of the peanut sauce. A lower calorie alternative is to use lean cuts of meat such as chicken breast or tofu, and to opt for a lighter dipping sauce such as a vinegar-based dressing.
With these lower calorie alternatives, you can still enjoy your favorite Singaporean dishes without compromising your health goals.

Tips to Stay Motivated for Weight Loss and Slimming Down in Singapore
Here are some tips to stay motivated for weight loss and slimming down in Singapore:
Set realistic goals
Don’t aim to lose 10 kg in a month. Instead, set smaller, achievable goals like losing 0.5-1 kg per week. This helps you stay motivated as you hit milestones along the way.
Find an exercise buddy
Team up with a friend who also wants to slim down. Having a workout partner keeps you accountable and makes exercising more fun. Try activities like jogging at East Coast Park or joining fitness classes together.
Track your progress
Keep a food and exercise diary to monitor your habits. Use apps or a simple notebook to log meals and workouts. Seeing your progress can boost motivation when the scale isn’t budging.
Reward yourself (without food)
Celebrate hitting weight loss targets with non-food rewards. Treat yourself to a massage, new workout gear, or a fun activity you enjoy. This reinforces positive habits.
Mix up your routine
Avoid boredom by trying new healthy recipes and exercises. Take a dance class, go hiking, or experiment with local ingredients like bok choy in your cooking. Variety keeps things interesting.
Focus on how you feel
Pay attention to increased energy and better sleep as you get healthier. These non-scale victories are just as important as the number on the scale for staying motivated.

How to Overcome Weight Loss Plateaus When Trying to Slim Down
Dealing with a weight loss plateau is tough. I see this often. People get stuck and feel lost. But you can beat this. Here’s how.
First, check your habits. Have you eased up on your diet? Maybe you’re not exercising as much. It happens. Tightening your routine can kick-start your weight loss again.
If that doesn’t work, look at your calories. Don’t eat less than 1,200 a day. That’s not safe. But if you’re above this, cutting back a bit might help you move past the plateau.
Remember, hitting a plateau is normal. It doesn’t mean you’re failing. Stay focused and keep pushing. You can get past this and reach your goals.

Wellaholic’s Professional Observations on Slimming Down in Singapore
In our personal experience with customers at Wellaholic, we have observed a few interesting points when it comes to weight management and achieving a healthy lifestyle in Singapore.
Firstly, many individuals struggle with finding a balance between indulging in Singapore’s delicious local cuisine and maintaining a calorie-controlled diet. While dishes like nasi lemak, laksa, and char kway teow are undoubtedly delicious, they can be high in calories and unhealthy fats. We often guide our clients towards making mindful choices, such as opting for smaller portions, choosing healthier cooking methods like grilling or steaming, and incorporating more vegetables into their meals.
Secondly, we’ve noticed that a sedentary lifestyle is a significant contributor to weight gain among Singaporeans. Long working hours and a reliance on private transportation can lead to a lack of physical activity. To combat this, we encourage our clients to incorporate simple yet effective exercises into their daily routines, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or going for a brisk walk during lunch breaks.
Lastly, we’ve found that many individuals struggle with maintaining motivation and consistency when it comes to their weight loss journey. It’s not uncommon for people to experience plateaus or become discouraged by slow progress. In such cases, we work closely with our clients to set realistic goals, celebrate small victories, and provide ongoing support and encouragement. We believe that a positive mindset and a sustainable approach are key to achieving long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the average calorie intake recommended for adults in Singapore for weight management?
The average recommended daily calorie intake for adults in Singapore is around 2,000 to 2,500 calories, depending on factors like age, sex, and physical activity level. This helps in maintaining a healthy weight.
How prevalent is obesity among adults in Singapore, and what trends have been observed in recent years?
In Singapore, the percentage of overweight or obese adults has risen from 18% to 24% over the past decade. This trend highlights the growing need for effective weight management strategies.
What are the most effective lifestyle changes recommended for sustainable weight loss in Singapore?
Effective lifestyle changes for sustainable weight loss in Singapore include incorporating more whole foods, reducing processed foods, and increasing physical activity. These changes promote gradual and steady fat loss.
What role does stress management play in weight loss, and what are some recommended techniques?
Stress management is crucial in weight loss as stress can contribute to weight gain. Techniques like yoga, meditation, and spending time in nature are recommended for managing stress effectively.
How significant is the impact of portion control in achieving weight loss goals in Singapore?
Portion control plays a significant role in weight loss. It helps in managing calorie intake, which is essential for weight loss, especially considering the high-calorie content of many popular Singaporean dishes.
What percentage of Singaporeans have successfully maintained weight loss through lifestyle changes alone, without surgical interventions?
While specific percentages vary, a significant number of Singaporeans have successfully maintained weight loss through lifestyle changes. These changes are more sustainable and healthier compared to surgical interventions.

Serene Chiam, Aesthetic Director
Serene Chiam is the Aesthetic Director at Wellaholic, a well-known aesthetic chain in Singapore. She has more than ten years of experience in the aesthetics industry. With a Bachelor of Health Science (Aesthetics) and CIDESCO certifications, she expertly combines scientific knowledge with practical skills. Serene is known for her personalized approach to beauty, ensuring each Wellaholic client’s journey is unique and transformative. Her significant contributions have been pivotal in establishing Wellaholic’s reputation for excellence in aesthetic wellness.
Contact Serene at support@wellaholic.com
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From Chubby to Chic: Your Comprehensive Guide to Slimming Down in Singapore
The post From chubby to chic: How can I slim down in Singapore? appeared first on Wellaholic.