Cracking the Menopausal Mystery:
How Asian Women Stay Slim
For most women in Asia, the question of why they can stay slender through life is a curious one. With menopause being a crucial phase in women's lives, it is worth exploring how Asian women maintain their slim figures during and after this transition. We're going to explore the reasons for this phenomenon, as well as a Chinese weight loss regimen, in this blog.
Why Are Asians Skinnier?
Several factors contribute to the slim figure most Asian women have: genetics is one of them, with studies suggesting that certain genetic traits may lead to a lower body mass index (BMI) in Asians compared to other ethnicities. * Nevertheless, the fact that lifestyle and dietary habits strongly influence body weight and composition cannot be explained by genetics alone.
There tends to be a low fat and fibre content in the Asian diet, which helps with weight maintenance. In addition, the Asian diet emphasizes the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein sources that are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which have been shown to prevent obesity and other chronic diseases.
How Do Asians Stay Skinny?
Besides eating a balanced diet, Asian people also maintain a healthy weight through their lifestyle and habits. A key element in their daily exercise regimen is regular physical training, with activities like yoga or tai chi being the traditional way of doing it. It helps optimize metabolism, so the body burns more calories throughout the day!
In addition, Asian people practice a mindful eating habit which means that they eat slowly and savour each bite to allow their brains to recognize when they're full. This prevents excessive eating, the common cause of weight gain, and helps to maintain healthy body weight.
Asian Weight Loss Diet
If you are looking to adopt an Asian weight-loss diet, here are some tips to get started:
- Invest in plant-based foods: start eating vegetables, fruits and whole grains as the basis of your diet.
- Choose lean protein sources: instead of red meat, choose tofu, tempeh, legumes, and fish.
- Limit processed foods: as they may contribute to your weight gain, avoid food with high sugar, salt and unhealthy fats.
- Practice the principle of eating with care: Slow down, savour each bite and stop if you feel hungry every now and then.
- Stay active: even when it's only a short walk, include physical activity in your daily routine.
Finally, the lifestyle and dietary habits of most Asian women contribute significantly to their slim build, although genetics play an essential role. The Asian weight loss diet emphasizes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and mindful eating – all of which help maintain a healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy and stable weight can be made easier by implementing these habits.
*Studies:
The FTO gene and obesity in a large Eastern Chinese population: A genetics association study: https://jmg.bmj.com/content/45/12/740.short
Genome-wide association study identifies three novel loci for BMI in African Americans: https://academic.oup.com/hmg/article/19/5/869/2900913
Genetic variation in the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene and the risk of breast cancer in Han Chinese women: A case-control study: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0107007
