Singaporeans least obsessed about weight: global survey

SINGAPORE: When it comes to fighting the flab, Singaporeans are the least weight-obsessed in the world, according to a global survey that looked at weight management among more than 9,000 respondents.Those interviewed came from 13 countries on five continents.
The global survey by research firm Synovate revealed that when battling the bulge, Singaporeans pale in comparison to others in countries like the US, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia and Malaysia.
Almost 37 per cent have never weighed themselves and for the rest who do, they still indulge themselves a little.
The laissez-faire attitude towards weight is similar across other Asian countries, like Malaysia and Hong Kong.
In Hong Kong, 60 per cent of respondents admit that they weigh themselves, only when they remember to.

Respondents from these countries also showed that they are more relaxed about their eating and exercising habits, compared to their Middle Eastern and Brazilian counterparts. 21 per cent of Saudi Arabians use herbs or supplements to lose weight, while 26 per cent of Brazilians attend exercise classes or go to the gym regularly.
In contrast, the most weight conscious are the French and Americans. Half of them say they check their weight at least once a week.
When it comes to fast food, the survey found that the French, Singaporeans and Hong Kong respondents are the least reliant on such food. Synovate said that this is probably due to the fact that the three cultures take pride in their local cuisine, so giving up fast food is no big deal.
And as for the number one fast food nation, the United Kingdom claimed that title, as 45 per cent said they like the taste of fast food too much to give it up. This title is followed by the US and Canada.
On obesity, the survey found that people generally believed that the main culprit is food, rather than genetics.
Most respondents in the US and the UK said that the likely factor for obesity is due to "lack of discipline". 20 per cent of Singaporean respondents blame it on the lack of exercise. Very few people blame their government as the number one factor in causing obesity. - CNA/vm