LETTERS: Research shows that excessive sugar intake, fast food and sweetened beverages are contributing to the skyrocketing increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Recently, the Health Ministry revealed that 73 per cent of deaths in the country were related to NCDs, particularly diabetes and hypertension.
Last year, statistics showed that 3.6 million Malaysians were living with diabetes — the highest in Asia — and 6.1 million people have hypertension.
According to reports, our young population is suffering significant increases in the diagnosis of early onset diabetes from inactivity and poor dietary habits, which is also usually preceded by increased obesity and accompanying health issues.
Statistics show that one in three adults is not physically active; one in two adults leads a sedentary lifestyle; 84 per cent of adults are not active in sports, fitness or active leisure activities; and 16 per cent of adults do not walk or cycle from one place to another, all of which are worrying.
Therefore, it is imperative for today's workforce to be in great shape, mentally and physically, to meet the daily challenges that are the foundation for success.
It is proven that regular daily exercise has positive effects on the mental and physical health of employees, resulting in greater and higher quality job productivity and less absenteeism.
This means less expense for employers in medical costs and fewer lost wages for employees.
It also reduces the possibility of workplace accidents and injuries, and promotes a more relaxed environment. In turn, employees experience less anxiety and depression, and may deal more positively with stress issues.
Fitness and sporting activities provide a major improvement in workplace morale, besides promoting a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.
Getting to know colleagues through activities often facilitates working through complex job challenges, creating a win-win for workers and employers.
Some specific ways to promote a successful fitness programme in the workplace are practical and certainly a worthwhile investment in the health of all concerned.
On-site gym facilities for access during breaks or before lunch would encourage daily sessions.
There should be cardio machines and simple weight and resistance training equipment. In a more elaborate setting, there could be squash or handball courts.
There should be attractive incentives for meeting fitness goals, which could be gym memberships, fitness trackers or even an occasional time-off.
Another motivating factor is to offer flexible scheduling for those who participate in morning or after-work sports or fitness activities.
There must be awareness campaigns to educate Malaysians on the importance of eating a healthy diet, and the adverse effects of consuming too much sugary products and refined carbohydrates.
The main goal is to start a process in which we can eventually discard the title of "fattest nation" in Southeast Asia.
C. SATHASIVAM SITHERAVELLU
Seremban, Negri Sembilan
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times