Are Singaporeans Eating Healthier?

Being conscious of one’s body and health is essential. It makes you know what to do and not to do or what to eat and not to eat. Well, we’re not stopping you from eating the foods you like, but make sure that you eat this in moderation.

For Singaporeans, well...there has been a mix of results.

Singaporeans should eat well since they have access to affordable hawker food and world-class restaurants, and they are known as foodies, right? Or know what to eat to stay healthy. In a survey conducted online in May 2022 to assess Singaporeans' nutrition literacy, only 54 percent of respondents regarded themselves as eating most of the time healthily despite 76 percent dieting during the pandemic.

Experts believe that much of this is because people are spoilt for choice, so they tend to opt for convenience over health. Therefore, they tend to eat dessert or a snack between meals just because they have the option. Many people also eat out or choose processed food that is easy to prepare and high in calories because of their busy lifestyles.

However, an article indicates that Singaporeans are exercising more and eating healthier in 2021 than in 2020, with approximately three out of four saying that physical health is "very much" a priority. Forty-four percent of Singaporeans feel physically healthier today than before the outbreak of Covid-19, according to an online survey of 1,000 Singaporeans aged 18 to 70.

While Singaporeans are becoming increasingly aware of healthy eating habits, many need to exercise regularly. The knowledge, attitudes, and lifestyle practices of over 800 non-diabetic Singaporeans aged 30–64 in preventing Type 2 Diabetes were assessed in a study. More than two-thirds of respondents prefer wholemeal bread over white bread, and almost 90 percent would reduce their consumption of sweet drinks, cakes, and candies. There is still a lack of knowledge about the causes of diabetes, even though most are aware of the adverse effects of diabetes on their health.

In addition, Singaporeans are adapting by focusing on more than just staying active: A well-rounded approach to health includes eating right and sleeping well. Even as overall living expenses were reduced amid the pandemic, Singaporeans spent about S$470 monthly on healthy food. By cutting down on junk food and alcohol expenses, they became healthier and saved money.

Here are some facts about Singaporean's Health conditions:

World's 8th healthiest Country: Singapore

In its Bloomberg Global Health Index, countries are ranked according to their life expectancy, causes of death, and health risks. In general, countries with the best health are the ones that are developed, pollution-free, have good access to healthcare, and have clean drinking water.

As a result of all these factors, Singapore was ranked the 8th healthiest country in the world in 2020 out of 169 countries.

Life expectancy in Singapore is 3rd in the world.

A Singaporean lives an average of 83.1 years, just slightly behind Japan (83.7 years) and Switzerland (83.4 years), ranked first and second, respectively.

Singapore 2nd in the world for healthy life expectancy

Moreover, Singapore ranks second in healthy life expectancy - the number of years people can expect to live in good health. We fall behind Japan by just one year (74.9).

Singapore has the 10th lowest death rate due to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease.

Globally, the probability of dying from these diseases is 18.8%, and Singapore's is 10.1%.

Singapore's leading cause of death is cancer.

Singaporeans died of cancer 29.7% of the time in 2015. Colorectal cancer affects about 1 in 26 men, and breast cancer affects about 1 in 15 women.

The birth rate in Singapore is extremely low.

The Singaporean fertility rate fell to 1.2 in 2016, far below the replacement rate of 2.1 needed to replace a population. Our birth rates are similar to those of Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, where birth rates are low.

16.3% of Singaporeans above the age of 15 smoke

A smoker has three times the risk of a heart attack, three times the risk of a stroke, and 25 times the risk of developing lung cancer as a non-smoker. In addition to decreasing your chances of developing heart disease, quitting smoking will reverse any damage you have done to your heart.

11% of Singaporeans are obese

Since 2010, obesity has steadily increased in Singapore. Obese Singaporeans are more likely to develop diabetes and heart disease. Around 60% of Singaporeans with a BMI of 23 or greater suffer from a chronic condition or are already pre-diabetic.

Singaporeans are becoming more active and eating healthier.

There has been a double increase in the number of people who exercise frequently (3 or more times a week) between 2001 and 2014. In addition, the number of Singaporeans who prefer wholegrain foods over refined carbs has more than tripled, from 8.4% in 2004 to 27% in 2010. Singaporeans are taking greater responsibility for their health and leading healthier lifestyles, even though there is still room for improvement.

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