If you look around Thailand, wherever you are, you will see many men of all ages, cuts and nationalities. You see them in shopping malls, on the beaches, at beer bars.
What is striking is that they are strolling around, lying on their backs, sitting on a stool. Except, of course, other active pursuits. And another striking thing is that often a belly passes first, then the rest; a belly convex, strongly round in height and protrudes and hangs on both sides, or a belly rests in their lap up to the knees. There is a lot of smoking and a lot of beer flowing. Even then they are often accompanied by or surrounded by a younger girlfriend, wife or otherwise, to guard against their sense of sabay. Everything a matter of lifestyle, of course, besides undoubtedly having many interests and maintaining good eating habits.
Now I was at Immigration yesterday morning because of my 'ninety-day address notification', while waiting I saw a complete square someone waddling in. A small round head, two thin arms sticking out to the side, skinny legs in sandals: it was completely out of proportion. The man, who was only in his early sixties, I estimated, was about 4 feet in circumference at 170 feet 160 inches tall, and must have weighed about XNUMX pounds. How do you do such a thing I wondered and why? He was accompanied by an elderly woman who pushed aside a chair and planted him in it, posing sullenly beside him. A second younger woman with a handful of papers and a British passport joined her. Moments later another good man came, fiddling nervously with car keys, taking a quick look at the fat boy, joining the two women. The pickup driver, I thought.
During an idle afternoon in the garden, forced by scorching temperatures, in an easy chair in the shade, a large glass manufactured by ega healthy within reach, browsing the internet. A few days ago I came across a British study into risk factors that can more or less indicate the percentage chance someone has of dying within 5 years. British research, admittedly, among British m/f subjects and certainly not representative of only NL/BE men.
A “RISK CALCULATOR” on the relevant website. If you fill it in, you will immediately receive a definite answer about your current biological age, which you can then compare with your calendar age; and you get an indication of how long you have left to live expressed in a %: an indication. For what it's worth, about how you're doing. Remember, everything is relative nothing absolute. Do you have an indication whether expensive health insurance is still useful?
I am not concerned with the validity of the research, nor with the relevance of the calculator. Not even about how to take it seriously or about its applicability, not whether statistics say anything, etc. etc. etc. But simply because of the question: why is it that people don't take their health so seriously?
See thus: http://www.ubble.co.uk/
Submitted by Soi
Agree with the first part. Usually “somewhat” large Farang. But your example about that overweight gentleman at the “90 day notification” is a bit too short sighted. Could it be that sir has a disease / condition? You don't know him and you haven't seen him eating/drinking/partying/living. I'm rather too skinny myself, but I don't think we can just give someone a stamp that he doesn't take his health very seriously.
I think many men think long live fun, I eat, I drink and I do what I can and want as long as I can and I drop dead, if necessary on top of my young Thai girlfriend. But I hope that will take YEARS.
I also read that test this week, and I wondered about one of the questions: 'how is your stride, fast? slow?' I don't understand that though. Do unhealthy people walk slower? Or faster? no idea. My score was 1% chance of dying within 5 years (stick to wood)
Agree with the fact that many people don't take their health very seriously. I do not know why. It may or may not be conscious ignorance. Or “it will take my time”. The fact is that the meat is weak and is therefore eaten and drunk too often and too unhealthy.
I myself try to eat as healthy as possible, although I sometimes "sin". I also have health problems that limit my mobility. Had a hip replacement at age 58 and had revision surgery at age 65 due to a medical flaw in the first surgery. In addition, two times had a mild cerebral infarction.
I completed the calculator by stating these “defects” (as far as possible). And guess what? With me being 67 calendar years old, my “biological” age appears to be 65 years old. Furthermore, I have an 8% risk of death within 5 years…. I console myself with the thought that I have a 92% chance of NOT dying within 5 years. Amazing, right?
Yes indeed Barbara, people who are fat (don't hesitate to say fat), walk more slowly, they waddle. And the best excuse is: “It's in the genes”. Well, I had never seen so many fat people before and especially not in the nightlife. Now you trip over it, especially on the street, sometimes at work and also in the nightlife. And some people don't just eat, but stuff themselves, you see that when you go out for dinner. Not only do they empty their own plate, but as "taste" they also feast on other people's plates. And what is left, they now also take the rest with them in a bag. Of course, we don't know what they eat at home.
Is indeed a characteristic of people to judge others quickly .
Only the background is usually unknown so improve the world and start with yourself is a perfect slogan.
After all, isn't it the case when we see someone eating fries or something similar on the street that we immediately have our judgment ready?
We will not say anything about a thin and skinny person or at most that he can use it.
If someone of a considerable size is eating fries then the reaction is ::look at that fat guy standing there eating!!is he not fat enough yet ??
Personally, I have always had a good BMI until I stopped smoking, the first pounds were already there. When I later got cancer NHL and therefore received many chemotherapy treatments, I was immediately told that my weight would also increase considerably due to this chemotherapy.
I also know that I am way overweight and am making an effort to lose some weight (3-4 bottles of beer per week) and mainly eat Thai food, but it is not easy to lose any weight.
Also for obese people it would sometimes be nice if everyone kept their opinion to themselves and if necessary just look the other way.
But:: despite my 130 kilos and my past with my illness, I am fortunately still alive.
Totally agree Henk people shouldn't judge too quickly, I'm 65 and have had diabetes for 45 years
Stopped smoking 10 years ago gained 30 kg.
I eat very little and rarely drink liquor or beer, but I hardly lose weight.
110 kg now with a height of 1.82 m and yes I also walk badly that is due to joint problems due to my diabetes.
So people shut up.
Johan
Human flaws don't always appear suddenly. It's a gradual process.
A few examples:
1. Someone has a very sensitive stomach from birth. He/she is dependent on antacids for his/her entire life. Resulting in overload of the liver and kidneys. With age, these organs begin to function less well, with all the consequences that entails.
2. From childhood, someone loves a fatty snack. At a later age, the blood vessels begin to close up. As a result, all kinds of cardiovascular diseases. If medication is used, the liver and kidneys will also have a hard time. In this case, this problem arose in the upbringing.
3. If someone thinks that there is no difference between drinking water and alcohol, then he/she already has a problem in advance.
3. One can also look fat or thin if one has a thyroid disorder.
So there are more things to think of. Sometimes that's their own fault, but sometimes that person can't do anything about it.
Keep in mind that the side effects of medicines are quite underestimated!
Speedy recovery
Chander
I am also often surprised about those beer belly carriers and I wonder why people let it get to this point. Then I know for sure that it won't happen to me.......
Just tested - my 69 years appear from the test results to be 59, with a good 4% risk of death in the next five years. In view of the extremely limited, superficial questions, I do not attach much importance to that outcome. Weight/girth in relation to height, for example, also seems to me to be an important indicator of health risks.
The problem with the calculator is that you have to know the correct answers. If, like me, you have had two mild cerebral infarctions without being aware of it and some things have not been checked, then you are actually answering the question incorrectly and you seem healthier than you are.
I disagree that the questions are superficial. The answers do give a reasonable picture of your health condition and risks. For a long time I too thought I was perfectly healthy, until by chance problems were discovered that had been present for some time without me knowing about it. Now that I know that I am more alert and I have a number of tests done every few years. I also listen better to the advice given to me now.
The strange thing about that test is that in second reading and with a lower age to enter than you and answering negative to all questions, in other words most favorable, filling in perfectly healthy never smoked etc etc, I still arrive at a higher mortality risk, so everything is a lie and most filled in favorably, so I put here????? at that test.
The disadvantage is that now many are pressed with their noses at the death rate as reel ticking clock …. while before it was more in the back of the mind ……..!
don't worry too much if your number is drawn it's just so, nothing can be done about it.... meanwhile enjoy your remaining life.
I did the first five questions of the test and then stopped. Why do people want this kind of nonsense? You may have an accident tomorrow and then. Are you going to complain that you died before your time?
I think many people don't realize that you have to adjust your diet in Thailand. You need fewer calories than in the Netherlands. If you want to eat the same as in your home country every day, you will experience that you have gained a few or more kilos within a short time. Now in this hot period your activity is probably low. Adjust your food accordingly.
I myself am a runner, but walking 15 or 20 km in the morning is not an option. I have gained 4 kg in the last 2 months, but now skip a meal in the last 2 weeks with no problem. Yet I still run around 40 km per week and I am 68 years old.
Why is it that people don't take their health so seriously? Most people I know have their own ideas about what is meant by that.
On average I smoke 10 cigarettes, but with a beer that can be more. I also don't eat 2 pieces of fruit every day and I haven't consulted the “wheel of 5” for a long time. So according to public opinion, I don't really live a healthy life. Well, I commit myself to drinking enough water per day.
The fact that I train 5 days a week (I'm approaching 70 years old) and can easily compete with the average performance of someone aged 50, is a conviction for me that I shouldn't worry about it so much. I can still suppress an emerging cold by training extra hard.
The last time I was sick must have been about 30 years ago and I've never seen the doctor. Only the dentist every six months.
What I'm actually aiming for with my response is that a doctor or any other expert can always find something to declare me unhealthy. And this boy doesn't fall for that. They are not the only ones who want to earn money from me. 🙂
Many of those men have been sitting at the Chang (pig) since noon.
There is not much movement, especially due to the heat.
And then it's a simple math: an enormous increase in calories and almost no fat burning means that every month one kilo is added.
I notice that many people who are slim and always point the finger at catering spoilers and wobbly buttocks do not keep an eye on their health at all. Until the moment that they happen to have their blood sugar checked or their blood pressure taken. Often with very disappointing results. Or suddenly they are in the ambulance with heart problems. It's just important for everyone to keep an eye on it. Excuses are indeed quickly made. But driving each other crazy doesn't really work either. And yes, I have now lost 35 kg at a leisurely pace and without a gym and without gallstones due to a crash diet. I pay close attention to what I do when it comes to eating and resting. Especially when you're on the road a lot, healthy food choices and rest are not always easy. But feasible. Also in Thailand. However, there is no guarantee that you will live to be 120 years old without any problems. Do I actually want to grow that old? I have a neighbor who lives in Anna and has already been picked up 4 times with the siren blaring. Also a drama. So just maintain a healthy weight and try to think about yourself for a moment. But also look in the mirror if you think you are mister perfect. Good luck everyone!! And cheers. Oh, no, I don't drink alcohol anymore.
Completely agree with you, Jack. I am also very curious how you lost the 35 kg without a gym or a lot of exercise. I can't do that, partly because of my mobility limitations.
To me, fat people are people who simply eat too many calories. No more. Some may have a hormone malfunction, but not the majority.
But the fact that there are relatively many fat people here in Thailand is partly due to the wrong food here (people don't like spicy food, want to eat their greasy Western fare and exercise much less) and partly because many were already fat when they went to Thailand. Because here you can still get a woman (or sex), if you are fat or ugly or both, and she will caress your huge belly again and again and tell you how much she likes it and how ugly thin people are.
I am always amazed at how people manage to attack the farang?
The elderly in the Netherlands are behind the garaniums. 8 months in a year can hardly sit outside because of the cold. So they sit behind the geraniums and all they do is play cards or billiards or pick up the grandchildren from school. Men with a so-called beer belly does not always mean that it comes from beer. It should also be remembered that men urinate less as they get older and because of the heat they still drink a lot of water and therefore also develop a beer belly. Why do people always have to look for the negative things? Many of my friends go swimming and/or do fitness. Do people only look at the beachgoers? Many enjoy their lives, that is allowed, but for some there is a risk involved because they live an unhealthier life, that is their way of life. Why do others always interfere with the way of life of others. and one does not need that pointer at all. Everyone knows what is and is not good with regard to sugars or too much alcohol. One really doesn't need to know anything about that. I'm curious what the next topic is that is negative for the Dutch farang
It's wonderful to read through the reaction and how different people think. And that's a good thing because everyone has to live the life they want.
I want to sharpen the discussion with the statement that it is not about how old you get, but mainly how you get old and especially in the last years of your life. We all want to grow very old and climb the fruit trees at 80, just like the Japanese.
Everyone can achieve that “healthy” aging, but you have to do something for that:
1. If your BMI is too high, you should ask yourself how you are going to deal with it? If you eat less than before your body turned staton, you will really lose weight. You can also watch what and where you eat. Packaged foods in Thailand contain way too much salt and sugar, so you have to switch to fresh products. Also in Thai restaurants the food is way too salty and way too sweet. So eat out moderately and avoid fast food chains. There are plenty of programs for PC or tablet where you can see exactly how many calories you eat;
2. do you exercise enough? Buy an ATB for approximately 2 x 7000 Baht and go cycling with your girlfriend for at least an hour at least five times a week at 6.30 am. At this hour the animals are also just awake and it's swarming with birds and other animals so it's fun. And afterwards, drink a cup of tea at the coffee houses that are popping up everywhere. And if you are in good shape, that is also beneficial for your HDL and also for your sex life;
3. alcohol is the wrong food for people. With a maximum of 1 or two glasses a day you will feel much better and you will consume considerably less carbohydrates and therefore sugars;
4. do you still smoke? Stop it sooner than yesterday. The death of people with lung cancer is one of the worst ways to die;
5. do you monitor your health? Doctor and laboratory costs are low in Thailand. Have your cloresterol and your kidney and liver function tested regularly and take action on abnormal values. Buy a blood pressure monitor (1200 B) and a digital scale and measure blood pressure and weight regularly. Blood pressure lowering tablets cost only 130 Baht for 30 pills in Thailand. Usually you need half a day or every two days if your blood pressure is too high.
5. etc, etc, etc
I wish everyone that he or she grows old healthy in Thailand. We already have the climate to grow old healthy in Thailand. Now just watch out for yourself and take action yourself.
If you do not smoke and drink and also exercise daily and watch your diet, you will often be told that you would not enjoy life. ;(
Often voiced precisely by those with a fat rumen sighing, groaning and coughing who walk after 10 meters and or are already tired two steps up, as if that is so much fun.
The contradictory but also funny thing about them is that they also often say that that is why they would rather stop or cut down, well do that if you know it so well!