by admin | Apr 14, 2025 | body weight, health & fitness, news, obesity, weight loss
City desk journalist Oscar Liu recounts his journey of challenges and successes as he managed to reduce his weight from 98kg last September to 78kg this January.
I recall the day in July from last year when the anticipation for my upcoming three-week adventure across Europe rose within me as I purchased a new pair of running shoes and slipped them on.
However, when I looked down, I couldn’t spot my new shoes. My stomach was obstructing my view.
A few weeks later in Spain, as I ascended a gradual slope in Toledo, it started feeling akin to climbing a mountain. My lungs were afire, my heartbeat thundered, and I had to pause for breath.
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I had to acknowledge that after making inconsistent efforts to stay fit for eight years, I ended up being overweight, consuming excessive food and neglecting my health.
I had reached 98 kg (216 lbs), which was my highest weight ever and 23 kg over the desirable weight of 75 kg for someone of my stature.
It provided little comfort knowing that I belonged to the majority in Hong Kong, where 54.6 percent of adults were classified as overweight or obese, based on the Department of Health’s 2020-2022 Population Health Survey.
Men seldom confess their insecurities about their physical appearance, yet this battle had defined my existence.
Sei fei jai
, which literally translates to “deadly fat boy” in Cantonese, was a label that dogged me practically from the day I was born a robust 4kg and through a childhood of hurtful comments and being teased and bullied about my size.
While in college and seeking a rapid solution, I discovered a physician who provided me with weight-loss medication that I used for about nine months.
They were effective, yet they consistently made me feel restless and anxious. To steer clear of these side effects, I discontinued their use, and subsequently, all the weight I had shed came back.
Driven by desperation, I fell into a harmful pattern of binging and purging, which became a hidden source of deep embarrassment and erosion of my self-esteem over many years. It took me over ten years to confide in even my nearest companions about this struggle.
Until 2016, my parents didn’t appear worried about their youngest child’s weight. But once they were both diagnosed with diabetes that year, they started pressing me to make changes.
That year, I started a new fitness adventure by joining a CrossFit gym and diving into weightlifting, gymnastics, and intense metabolic conditioning workouts with great enthusiasm.
My trainers functioned more as life coaches, giving me a solid base in fitness for the very first time in my life.
I tried out more nutritious food options and various dietary approaches. As a result, the weight came off, my clothing became less snug, and I started feeling a sense of pride in these transformations. It was quite rewarding.
However, this situation also unraveled. The firm I was with shut down, which left me jobless for a year. Under stress, I reverted to my exercise routines, and previously abandoned habits resurfaced.
The weight came back. I was still stuck on that disheartening carousel, which served as an ongoing reminder of my failures.
I surrendered in the fight against weight gain and tried to wear a smile, yet deep down, I wasn’t truly content.
Next was the vacation last summer in Spain, struggling to see my feet as I huffed and puffed up that hill in Toledo.
It was time to attempt once more.
After coming back from Europe, I discovered a new fitness coach, began hitting the gym thrice weekly, focused on nutrition, and meticulously tracked and recorded everything I consumed.
The guiding principle of my trainer was that health is a way of life, which implied that beyond working out and monitoring my diet, I needed to focus on getting quality sleep and handling stress effectively.
Having empathetic coworkers who brought takeout lunches and stayed with me for these nutritious meals in the newsroom was quite beneficial.
It wasn’t simple, yet I successfully reduced my weight from 98kg last September to 78kg in January, and since then, I’ve kept myself under my targeted weight of 83kg.
Friends, family members, and coworkers have been giving me praise for the transformation they’ve observed. They mention that I seem more vibrant as well.
When I take time away from work, I prefer engaging in physical pursuits like jogging and trekking rather than lounging at home munching on potato chips and cheese while binging shows on Netflix.
On some days, I catch myself pondering whether this could be the authentic version of me, permanently in place.
Nevertheless, I remain acutely conscious that the allure of delicious cuisine and fine wines persists constantly. Additionally, nowadays, there’s considerable excitement surrounding novel diabetes medications like Ozempic, which can lead to significant weight reduction.
They are promoted as an easy solution for those dealing with excess weight. However, I still remember the episodes of anxiety I experienced from taking diet pills during my college days.
Should I admit that my life has been transformed? In the past, I looked for instant solutions, valuing an altered look more than making lasting changes to my way of living.
My current priority is achieving enduring wellness and a feeling of mastery over my life.
However, acquiring genuine confidence remains an ongoing endeavor. Acknowledging these uncertainties makes me feel exposed, particularly since societal norms demand that men should be resilient, even though this challenge isn’t exclusive to one gender.
Body image and eating problems impact numerous individuals, both women and men, yet perhaps discussing these matters candidly is an essential stride toward self-acceptance and collective assistance.
The difference this time around is that I am dedicated to constructing a healthier, more self-compassionate version of myself.
Fingers crossed as I attempt to avoid getting on the roller coaster.
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The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.
Copyright © 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
by admin | Apr 14, 2025 | business, commerce, money, news, Travel
A legislation prohibiting false reviews and concealed charges, which deceive online buyers out of £2.2 billion annually, will take effect today.
Websites imposing additional ‘administrative fees’ or ‘ticket booking fees’ must now include these charges within the total cost of the purchase upfront instead of adding them secretly when customers are about to complete their payment.
The prohibition, part of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill enacted during the previous administration, falls under this legislation.
UK government
This will impact travel agencies, ticketing websites, and food delivery applications.
Nevertheless, this will not affect any required additional expenses like particular airline seat selections and luggage upgrades for your flights.
This alteration requires online retailers to block and eliminate counterfeit customer reviews on their platforms as part of an effort to halt companies from building misleading reputations.
As reported by the Department for Business and Trade, consumers spend £2.2 billion annually on concealed charges. This new initiative aims to provide individuals with greater ‘authority over their finances.’
Justin Madders, the Minister for Competition and Markets, stated: “As of today, consumers can confidently make their purchases assured that they have protection against counterfeit reviews and hidden price increases.”
These modifications will empower consumers to have greater authority and management over their earnings, along with assisting in creating fair competition by discouraging unethical players who undermine law-abiding companies.
Studies have shown that concealed fees can soar up to 25 percent of the initial cost, with nearly half of internet merchants incorporating obligatory additional charges into their prices in one way or another.
Out of the 45 percent who incorporate fees referred to as ‘dripped pricing,’ 21 percent originate from the travel and hospitality industries, whereas retail contributes approximately 3 percent.
The effort to crack down on hidden charges follows last year when numerous Oasis fans became enraged due to Ticketmaster’s ‘dynamic pricing,’ which thwarted their ticket-buying efforts.
purchase tickets for the rock group’s spectacular comeback this summer
.
Approximately 14 million enthusiasts devoted one Saturday in August of last year to this endeavor.
attempting to obtain tickets to watch
siblings Noel and Liam Gallagher come together again for an extensive tour across the UK and Ireland.
However, enthusiastic supporters were furious when the cost of standing tickets increased from a face value of £150 to £355 shortly after, owing to high demand.
Audiences labeled Ticketmaster’s dynamic pricing strategy as ‘a complete outrage.’
expressed strong criticism towards the company’s leadership, which includes CEO Michael Rapino, UK Managing Director Andrew Parsons, President Mark Yovich, and COO Michael Wichser
.
The ‘dynamic pricing’ mechanism, launched by Ticketmaster in 2022, functions through
adjusting ticket prices according to demand – akin to how Uber calculates fares or airlines set seat prices
.
Once tickets at their original prices sell out, ticket vendors make additional ones available at increased costs, which were pre-negotiated with the artist’s management team and promoters, though these aren’t offered to the broader audience.
Importantly, Oasis – frequently celebrated as icons of the working class – had the option to reject dynamic pricing and maintain a more affordable price point for their fans.
In 2022, singer Tom Grennan stated that he had eliminated all VIP and platinum ticket choices because of the cost-of-living crisis.
Ticketmaster claims this undesirable practice stems from market dynamics and asserts that the additional funds generated from the increased ticket prices for Oasis shows will benefit the band directly.
The idea behind dynamic pricing is that by raising prices on official sites, scalpers will be deterred, allowing artists to retain additional profits.
The ‘In-Demand’ tickets are frequently referred to as ‘platinum tickets,’ however, they do not provide any additional perks for customers like VIP access.
Mr. Rapino, who leads Live Nation Entertainment—the company behind Ticketmaster—faced criticism when the Oasis tickets went on sale.
A user posted: “You represent all that is flawed within the live events sector.”
Someone else commented: ‘Michael Ticketmaster are a joke, and you’re a greedy scam artist.’
Demand-based pricing is Ticketmaster essentially becoming the scalpers itself.
Thousands of UK fans contacting their MPs. We’ll see you in court.”
Mr Rapino, who
resides in Los Angeles with his spouse and their three kids
is renowned for his ‘rock-star compensation packages’ and received $139 million in 2022, placing him among the top-earning executives in American corporations.
Other individuals requested Mr. Parsons to clarify himself during an interview, remarking, “Dynamic ticket pricing?? A complete scam perpetuated by his firm!”
Read more
by admin | Apr 14, 2025 | africa, business, crime, Travel, workers
Nairobi:
Furious Kenyans have flooded into the Trustpin Travel Agency to seek repayment of the millions they invested with hopes that the agency would arrange employment opportunities for them in Mauritius.
The Trustpin Agency is linked to Mary Kamunge, known as Rish Kamunge; it can be found on Moi Avenue in Nairobi. The resolute and angry victims refused to hear any clarifications.
A female candidate with experience as both a driver and a caretaker was present among those looking for employment at the event. She mentioned that they had been informed the positions were readily available, and they would commence work right away.
“As the director informed us, the positions were prepared, and upon our arrival, we would commence work as per his arrangements,” stated Faith Nasimiyu.
People who came forward stated that the victims found out about the travel agency via social media platforms, where Kamunge promoted job openings overseas for jobless individuals from Kenya. Equipped with necessary paperwork, these aspiring candidates went to the office and paid an amount ranging from KSh. 200,000 to Ksh400,000.
The funds were intended to cover flights, brokerage charges, and additional expenses. Many resorted to taking out loans, while some even sold their assets—only to discover they had become victims of a catastrophic fraud.
“I paid Ksh.193,000 for a non-existent job,” lamented Beatrice Njoki.
For some victims, it is even worse because they were actually taken to Mauritius only to find themselves stranded at the airport without food or any other support.
As such, they had no choice but to go back to Kenya as a disheartened group.
“We were instructed to await the same plane that had transported us there to bring us back to Nairobi,” Nasimiyu stated.
“I was able to gather Ksh.430,000 for my brother so he could obtain employment in Mauritius. However, he didn’t find a job upon his arrival,” stated Erick Ochieng.
The group stated that they had informed the Central Police Station about the issue, yet minimal actions were carried out as a result.
Through her attorney, Kamunge stated that arrangements were underway to reimburse the victims. However, she mentioned that she intended to subtract the funds her firm had expended throughout the whole process.
“The arrangement is that we will deduct a certain sum which was utilized for facilitating their travel. We have already begun processing refunds for some cases; however, this particular instance stands alone,” stated the attorney.
by admin | Apr 14, 2025 | health, healthcare and medicine, healthy living, medicine and healthcare, wellness
To mark World Health Day in 2025 under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” prominent FMCG firm, Orange Group, is introducing a novel venture into health and wellness called “Sip Wellness with Herbasip.” This campaign aims to inspire Nigerians to adopt healthier living practices via easy-to-follow, readily available options.
Orange Group’s Director of Media and Communications,
Uchenna Ezenna
, states,
At the Orange Group, we strive to enhance the lives of Nigerians via cutting-edge, easily available, and advantageous offerings. The theme for this year’s World Health Day—‘Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures’—syncs seamlessly with our ‘Sip Wellness’ initiative alongside Herbasip. We feel that cultivating a wellness-oriented mindset begins with straightforward daily decisions. Through Herbasip, we provide an easy and tasty means for all individuals to emphasize their wellbeing and look forward to a more radiant, healthy tomorrow.
Herbasip is a health supplement made from natural herbs recognized for enhancing immune function, which helps alleviate cold symptoms, strengthen resistance, and support general wellbeing suitable for both adults and children. The Orange Group remains dedicated to improving communal health by providing scientifically validated natural items designed to easily fit into everyday routines.
The main focus of the campaign, titled “Sip Wellness,” emphasizes that minor adjustments in your everyday life can contribute to improved health. It showcases how integrating immunity-enhancing components into regular habits provides an easy and pleasant method for focusing on wellness.
Starting from April 7, 2025, a multiplatform social media campaign using the hashtag #SipToWellness will highlight how Herbasip, an immunity-boosting beverage, has become the go-to brand for fostering “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.” This initiative aims to promote basic wellness practices.
The campaign will include partnerships with prominent wellness and health experts Damian Avar (@therealsabidoctor) and Dr.
Adefunke
, who will conduct enlightening Q&A sessions, product demonstrations, and educational videos. The purpose of these initiatives is to inform viewers about the significance of supporting their immune systems via practical and simple daily habits.
About Orange Group
Orange Group stands as a premier innovator in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector within Nigeria, dedicated to delivering top-notch, cutting-edge items that elevate everyday consumer experiences. The organization places significant emphasis on enhancing communal welfare through the creation and promotion of product lines aimed at boosting wellness and encouraging more healthy living practices.
Website:
Home
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/orange_nigeria/?hl=en
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/OrangeGroupNG/
Twitter:
https://x.com/orange_nigeria
TikTok:
by admin | Apr 14, 2025 | diet and nutrition, health, health advice, health tips, healthy living
Individuals with diabetes ought to restrict their consumption of brown rice to about 100 grams per meal, pairing it with items rich in fiber and protein.
For individuals with diabetes, brown rice is preferable over white rice because of its lower Glycemic Index (GI). This characteristic aids in avoiding sharp increases in blood glucose. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to eat it in limited quantities, accompanied by dishes high in fiber and protein, and participate in some gentle exercise post-meals to keep your blood sugar stable.
Dr. Tran Thi Tra Phuong from the Department of Dietary Management at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi explains that brown rice has a lower glycemic index (under 55 versus 76 for white rice). This means it gets digested more slowly, aiding in stable blood glucose levels. Additionally, brown rice includes bran and germ, rich sources of fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and proteins essential for decreasing inflammation, enhancing insulin response, and promoting general well-being.
Adding brown rice to your meals can enhance feelings of fullness, aid in managing body weight, improve cholesterol profiles, and lower the chances of developing heart disease and certain cancers. Furthermore, the B vitamins found in brown rice assist in generating red blood cells and boosting metabolic processes for energy.
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A serving of brown rice accompanied by various side dishes. Stock image courtesy of Unsplash.
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Advice from Dr. Phuong regarding brown rice intake for individuals with diabetes:
1. Opt for unpolished brown rice over white varieties.
2. Monitor portion sizes carefully as even healthy grains can affect blood sugar levels.
3. Incorporate into meals balanced with vegetables and lean proteins.
4. Cook properly to enhance digestibility without compromising nutritional value.
5. Consume mindfully considering individual responses and glycemic index sensitivity.
1. Select low glycemic index rice
There are several varieties of brown rice, including those with
lower GI
Choose brown rice with its bran layer intact for increased fiber and vitamin content, since refined varieties offer fewer nutrients.
2. Control the amount
Although brown rice is beneficial for individuals with diabetes due to its nutritional profile, it remains a type of carbohydrate that can elevate blood glucose levels when consumed excessively. Diabetic patients ought to restrict their daily carbohydrate consumption to approximately 55% of their total caloric intake.
The acceptable quantity of brown rice can differ depending on one’s activity levels, bodyweight, and personal tolerance for carbs; therefore, it’s crucial to seek advice from a healthcare provider or dietitian.
3. Blend with other healthy food options
Steer clear of serving brown rice with sugary or refined starch dishes. Opt instead for combining it with veggies.
fresh fruits
Include legumes and lean proteins to aid in balancing nutrition and slowing down sugar absorption.
The American Diabetes Association suggests using a proportional approach for meals: fill 25% of your plate with foods like brown rice or other carbohydrates, allocate 50% for non-starchy vegetables, and dedicate another 25% to lean proteins.
4. Proper preparation
The glycemic index of brown rice is influenced by different cooking techniques. High-heat exposure causes the starch within brown rice to break down into a gelled state, which may elevate its glycemic index. To maintain a lower glycemic index, steaming is recommended as the optimal method; however, boiling or using either a pressure cooker or a rice cooker still aids in keeping the GI relatively low.
Stay away from frying or stir-frying brown rice since doing so adds extra oils and sugars, making it less healthy.
5. Avoid frequent consumption
Brown rice includes phytic acid or phytates, potentially hindering the absorption of minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc. Individuals managing diabetes ought to vary their intake of brown rice with alternatives like potatoes, oats, quinoa, or legumes to ensure a well-rounded diet.
6. Regularly check your blood glucose levels
Every person responds uniquely to brown rice, hence it’s crucial to keep an eye on
blood sugar levels
Following meals, if your blood glucose increases considerably, modify the serving sizes or alter how you prepare the food.
Dr. Phuong additionally points out that the substantial fiber content in brown rice could lead to gastrointestinal problems for individuals with preexisting digestive conditions, indigestion, or those recovering from recent digestive surgeries. Continual assessment and modification of dietary habits are essential for sustaining good health.
