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Umamaheshweri d/o Aruchunan

One of the pressing health issues faced today worldwide is Obesity. Obesity serves as a root cause for many diseases such as heart disease, stroke and cancers. A study conducted by WHO (World Health Organisation) showed that being overweight caused more deaths worldwide compared to being underweight. Singapore is no exception to this global problem. The latest national health survey shows that 1 out of 10 Singaporean are now overweight.

Table1. Prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, High total cholesterol and obesity in Singapore Population recorded in national health surveys

In Singapore, every working adult is too focused on establishing their career and every student wants to ace their studies that they fail to prioritise their health. The fact that food can be conveniently found everywhere in Singapore worsens this situation. Its only when these individuals realise that their clothes are shrinking do they panic and start to search for immediate solutions. As a result, we can see a constant demand for slimming treatments in Singapore. A popular example of a slimming pill is Xenical.

(A). Molecular structure of a Xenical molecule.

Oblistat or Xenical (trade name) purpose is basically to reduce the systemic adsorption of fats by inhibiting intestinal lipase. Xenical is clinically proven to be effective in reducing (5-10) % of body mass yearly. A significant decrease in blood pressure and diabetes was also observed when taking the drug. However, gastrointestinal side effects are prevalent among consumers along with the tendency to gain up to 35% of the weight loss once the consumption of Xenical is stopped. Long-term side effects of the drug include a higher risk of kidney injury, liver failure and breast cancer. Most obese people tend to have a low self-esteem. They would rather avoid exercising in the public than to be subjected to mockery. With Xenical, plump people can now shed a few pounds without having to worry about being ridiculed. Once, they are more confident with their appearance, they would probably be more willing to go out and exercise. We live in a society where we create a first impression with our outlook. Therefore, obese people may find themselves losing out on job opportunities and might even face the situation of being an outcast if they do not change their appearance.

On the other hand, there is a probability that people might become overly dependent on Xenical. Instead of using the slimming pill as a motivation to start losing weight, they completely rely on the product to do the job for them. Furthermore, given an easier alternative for losing weight, some people may become complacent and would not find the need to lead a healthy lifestyle. Hence, community efforts put into organising programmes and events that encourage healthy lifestyle would go to waste as there would be less participation in these programmes. Xenical was developed with every intention of helping to reduce obesity and subsequently obesity related diseases worldwide. As of 2012, countries such as USA are spending over 150billion dollars on healthcare treatment for obesity related diseases. Essentially, Xenical shows a great potential in aiding man-kind though it is crucial that the drug is taken with the right attitude.

References
(n.d.). Retrieved 21 November 2102, from http://www.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20101108-246174.html (2012, September 18 ). Retrieved November 2012, 2102, from Fat and getting fatter: U.S. obesity rates to soar by 2030: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_129396.html Orlistat. (2012 , November 19). Retrieved November 21, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlistat A/Prof Goh Lee Gan, D. J. (2012, January ). OBESITY IN SINGAPORE, PREVENTION AND CONTROL. Retrieved November 21, 2012, from http://www.cfps.org.sg/sfp/38/381/SFP%20Vol38(1).Unit1.pdf Jones, L. (n.d.). Orlistat. Retrieved November 21, 2012, from http://www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/health_psychology/orlistat.htm Ng, G. (2010, November 8). One in 10 S'poreans is obese. Retrieved November 21, 2012, from http://www.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20101108-246174.html (Nov 08, 2010). Retrieved November 21, 2012, from http://www.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20101108-246174.html Stein, M. K. (2006, January). FDA Committee Reviews Orlistat as an Over-the-Counter Agent. Retrieved November 21, 2012, from http://www.eatingdisordersreview.com/nl/nl_edr_17_1_1.html (Obesity and overweight, 2012)

Bibliography
(n.d.). Retrieved 21 November 2102, from http://www.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20101108-246174.html (2012, September 18 ). Retrieved November 2012, 2102, from Fat and getting fatter: U.S. obesity rates to soar by 2030: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_129396.html Orlistat. (2012 , November 19). Retrieved November 21, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlistat Obesity and overweight. (2012, May). Retrieved November 22, 2012, from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs311/en/

6 A/Prof Goh Lee Gan, D. J. (2012, January ). OBESITY IN SINGAPORE, PREVENTION AND CONTROL. Retrieved November 21, 2012, from http://www.cfps.org.sg/sfp/38/381/SFP%20Vol38(1).Unit1.pdf Jones, L. (n.d.). Orlistat. Retrieved November 21, 2012, from http://www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/health_psychology/orlistat.htm Ng, G. (2010, November 8). One in 10 S'poreans is obese. Retrieved November 21, 2012, from http://www.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20101108-246174.html (Nov 08, 2010). Retrieved November 21, 2012, from http://www.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20101108-246174.html Stein, M. K. (2006, January). FDA Committee Reviews Orlistat as an Over-the-Counter Agent. Retrieved November 21, 2012, from http://www.eatingdisordersreview.com/nl/nl_edr_17_1_1.html