Coverage in this year’s survey doubled in this category compared to 2005.  Primary focus in articles surveyed were on exercise as an ideal complement to a healthy diet in the quest of a toned and trim body. There were also spotlights on dancing as a total body workout, and walking as a way to stay strong for pregnant mums. To read AFIC’s information resource on “Weighing Less – Easier With Exercise?” Please click here. 

Functional foods amassed 9% of the total coverage in this year’s survey, down significantly from last year’s figure of 28%. Articles focused primarily on the health and beauty benefits of selected food items like cabbage, tea, flaxseed, and other fruits and nuts. Please follow the links to read about the “Health Advice to Eat More!! The Case For More Fruits & Vegetables”, in English, ภาษาไทย or 中文. 

Healthy Eating & Lifestyles (33% of total coverage)

Always a popular topic, this category accounted for 33% of the total articles surveyed, up 9% from last year’s figure of 24%.  A variety of topics were discussed here, primarily focusing on guidance for readers on how to select dietary regimes to suit individual lifestyles, and also a number of articles encouraging readers to shun fad diets. Please follow the link to read more about “Good Health – The Case for Effective Weight Management”. 

Heart Disease / Cholesterol / Fats (14% of total coverage)

Coverage in this category increased significantly from 2005’s total of 3% to 14% in this year’s survey.  The majority of articles focused on minimizing the risks of developing heart diseases. Please follow the link to read more about “What You Should Know About Dietary Salt, Sodium & Health”.

Overweight / Obesity / Weight Control (18% of total coverage)

A selection of articles focusing on effective weight control helped raise this year’s coverage to a total of 18%, up 8% from last year’s total of 10%. The messages are delivered in different ways, from catchy titles like ‘Miracle Fat Busters’ to articles recommending readers to keep their childhood eating habits. Other topics covered include personal experience articles on weight loss and advice on how the little things (like hydration and getting sufficient rest) affect weight loss. Please follow the link to read more about AFIC’s information resource on “Some Questions and Answers on Weight Management for Young People”.

The Asian Food information Centre is a not-for profit Singapore-registered organization Its mission is to effectively communicate sound science based information on food safety, health and nutrition to the media and other key audiences in Asia.