I REFER to recent reports on the health woes of Singaporeans.

It was mentioned that about one in three people here is overweight or obese, and that obese people are more likely to suffer from a host of diseases.

Managing one's food intake can help in reducing obesity.

There is a saying: "Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dine like a pauper". This means breakfast should be the biggest meal of the day.

Keeping to this might help with weight management. But the best way to lose weight is to combine healthy eating habits with regular exercise.

Exercise tones the body, strengthens muscles and keeps the bones strong.

I am pleased that primary and secondary schools here will implement longer physical-education lessons, as this allows students to be more active.

During my school days, my friends and I played games like soccer, rugby, badminton and hantam bola (a ball game) during recess.

I would also rush home after school to meet my friends to play soccer at the void deck.

Children today are a bit different - they are made to focus on education.

Though I cannot deny the importance of education to their future, there are many benefits to physical activity that we should bear in mind.Double Your Career Opportunities with a Double Major IT Degree 

Regular physical activity helps young people manage anxiety and depression. It also provides them with opportunities for self-expression, and helps them build self-confidence and interact socially, assisting in their social development.

Exercise also strengthens one's immunity and helps one to relax, sleep better and be in a better mood.

It has also been suggested that physically active people are more ready to adopt healthy habits and avoid tobacco, alcohol and drugs.

However, while it may be fun to engage in physical training or sports activities, it is important to know one's physical limitations to avoid over-exertion.

MR NUR SUHARDI MOHAM