Investing in health: Small habits for a lifetime of returns
Experts say improving one’s healthspan by focusing on metabolic health must start long before illness strikes
Investing in one's health is crucial for a long and fulfilling life, much like financial investments, according to experts. The panel discussion "Healthspan: The Longevity Challenge," organized by The Business Times and Novi Health, emphasized the importance of metabolic health, the body's ability to process energy for daily functions.
Dr. Sue-Anne Toh, CEO of Novi Health, highlighted that early signs of metabolic dysfunction can be hard to detect, especially in certain populations. Asian individuals tend to store excess fat in ways that may be hidden, such as as visceral fat or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, even if their body mass index falls within the normal range.
Poor metabolic health can lead to serious health issues like heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, eye disease, and various types of cancer. However, adopting healthy habits can significantly reduce these risks. Prof. Roger Foo, vice-dean of research at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore, shared that about 20% of lean participants in Project Reset had poor metabolic health despite having normal body measurements.
Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep, are essential for improving metabolic health. The panellists encouraged setting small, measurable goals and using wearable technology to track progress and maintain motivation. By prioritizing health, individuals can not only extend their lifespan but also improve the quality of their later years.
Written by urgent.news from The Business Times - Companies & Markets's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
