As our diet changes to reflect our growing wealth, our bodies – and the illnesses we succumb to – have changed as well.

“We have certainly increased our food intake and have generally grown bigger and fatter,” said Associate Professor Suresh Nathan, a consultant in adult reconstructive surgery at National University Hospital.

According to the National Health Surveillance Survey by the Ministry of Health, the average Body Mass Index (BMI) of Singaporeans rose from 22.7 in 2001 to 23.1 in 2007, surpassing the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

Obesity has its associated health risks. Diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol are linked to a high-calorie diet, said Dr Michelle Jong, an endocrinologist at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

Diabetes and kidney disease Dr Jong noted that more than 90 per cent of diabetics suffer from type-2 diabetes, which is linked to being overweight.

Diabetes also paves the way for serious chronic ailments like kidney disease.

“In diabetes, the body is unable to metabolise carbohydrates properly. This results in excess sugar in the blood, which eventually affects other organs including the kidneys,” explained Dr Chionh Chang Yin, a renal consultant at Changi General Hospital (CGH). Sufferers will either require long-term dialysis or a kidney transplant, he added.

Polycystic ovary syndrome Insulin resistance from obesity is also to blame for the escalation of polycystic ovary syndrome in women, a hormonal disorder where eggs fail to mature and remain as cysts in the ovaries, said Dr Cho Li Wei, an endocrinologist at CGH.

This is a common problem in young women and can cause irregular periods, acne and excessive body hair, she said.

Fatty liver
Fatty liver is another outcome of overeating, as the liver stores excess fat, which can lead to inflammation, cirrhosis or even cancer, said Dr Desmond Wai, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist at the Asian Centre for Liver Diseases and Transplantation.

Acid reflux
Fatty, fried foods, caffeinated drinks and alcohol are also linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease (Gerd), known as acid reflux. Gerd is the backflow of stomach acid into the gullet, damaging the tissue lining there. Symptoms include heartburn and a bitter taste in the throat.

Tooth decay
Our dental health has also taken a hit. Excessive intake of sugary drinks – such as soda and sports drinks – causes acid erosion, where the tooth enamel is destroyed, said Dr Lynette Ng, director of The Dental Studio.

Watch your weight
The best path to better health is to keep one’s weight down by eating wisely and exercising regularly.

Dr Joan Khoo, an endocrinologist at CGH, advises everyone to eat more fruit, vegetables and wholegrain, to cook using healthier methods like grilling and to have smaller portions regularly.

Cut down on sugary drinks. “If it’s a must, rinse your mouth afterwards or take these drinks with a meal to encourage salivary flow. There are buffers in the saliva that protect against acid erosion,” Dr Ng said.

Lastly, regular health screening is useful in picking up diseases such as diabetes, which does not exhibit obvious symptoms, said Dr Khoo.