Little pleasures drive many to early grave

When he stepped on a weighing scale in 2015 and the arrow pointed at 130kg, Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir realised he was obese.

He wanted to lose the accumulated body fat, so he decided to hit the gym and avoid junk food.

Mr Nassir told the Nation that he worried the increased weight was an indication he could easily contract cardiovascular diseases due to his unhealthy lifestyle and poor dietary habits.

He started a rigorous regime of healthy eating by avoiding junk food and working out. It paid off and he has over the years lost 43kg. Mr Nassir now weighs 87kg.

“I am fit, healthy and no longer at risk of contracting cardiovascular diseases,” he said.

As a champion for healthy living,   he now takes part in health talks and medical camps during events to mark World Cancer Day, World Diabetes Day among others.

“I know the importance of keeping fit. I go to the gym six times a week. I do cardio and weight lifting. I said enough is enough,” said Mr Nassir who is also the National Assembly Public Investments Committee chairman.

LOSING WEIGHT

The second time parliamentarian said losing weight had made him feel better. “It is quite an experience. Sixty-five per cent of healthy living is determined by what you eat and 35 per cent is other elements such as exercise. But, the important thing is to never give up. Prevention is better than cure,” he said.

His former fitness instructor Evans Ngeno said most people in the tourism hub are obese due to the lifestyle and culture.

Mr Ngeno handles more than 300 clients, a majority of whom are struggling to lose weight.

“Both men and women are struggling with weight issues. They are 35 years old and above. But, I blame the culture in Mombasa, most people eat fatty, deep fried foods and do not exercise,” he said.

He added: “Children are more at risk. They should participate in school games. Foods such as cassava, brown rice and whole bread should be taken at breakfast accompanied with an egg.”

Recent statistics in Mombasa have shown a rise in the number of people battling weight problems.

OBESITY

Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have a negative effect on health. People are generally considered obese when their body mass index (BMI), a measurement obtained by dividing a person’s weight by the square of the person’s height, is over 30kg.

According to the statistics, 46 per cent of Mombasa residents are suffering from obesity, putting them at risk of contracting cardiovascular diseases. This means almost half of the county’s population is overweight and at risk of diseases such as diabetes.

County director of health Shem Pata attributed the high number of cases to overconsumption of fried foods. In Mombasa, fried foods such are common on the breakfast table while rice, pilau or pizza are served at dinner.

Dr Patta said the county was working closely with other stakeholders, including Pwani Lishe Bora, to curb obesity by teaching mothers how to prepare nutritious food. “The department is creating awareness and changing the tradition of reliance on some foods which cause diseases,” he said.

The county has also launched school health programmes to enlighten teachers, parents and students on healthy living.

GOOD NUTRITION

“At our clinics, our nutritionists teach expectant mothers the importance of good nutrition,” he added.

Aga Khan Hospital Mombasa heart specialist Salim Mohammed said the county was a hotspot for cardiovascular diseases due to unhealthy lifestyles and poor dietary habits.

The cardiologist said the residents were at a high risk of heart diseases due to lack of exercise and a lazy lifestyle. “Instead of deep fried foods let’s boil. Eat lots of vegetable instead of meat. Let’s exercise. Don’t neglect diseases, they can lead to serious heart complications,” he urged residents.

Pwani Lishe Bora nutritionist Martina Adega also advised residents to start eating traditional foods.