Generic diets fail Asians, personalised nutrition needed for health

Singapore Dietitian says Asians face higher chronic disease risk even at leaner body mass.

Asians should be cautious about online diet tips, which often cater to Western body types, a dietitian warned, urging the importance of embracing genetics, and cultural and culinary heritage for better health.

Over a third of Singaporeans now have hypertension, a figure that has nearly doubled since 2010. This trend has sparked greater interest in the role of personalised nutrition in tackling these chronic diseases.

Bonnie Lau, Singapore dietitian and founder of The Asian Dietitian, emphasised that Asians have a lower Body Mass Index (BMI) threshold for being classified as overweight compared to the white population, due to a greater vulnerability to chronic diseases at a leaner body mass.

“Many Asians don't realise that their BMI actually falls into the overweight range at above 23, not 25, which is the cutoff for white populations,” she told Singapore Business Review.

This difference is precisely why claims like red wine being healthy and olive oil being the best in the world may not necessarily hold true for Asians.

“Whilst [red wine] may have some health benefits, many Asians metabolise alcohol differently and produce more toxins, especially if they have this red flush syndrome, which affects about 50% of East Asians,” Lau said.

Meanwhile, Lau said traditional Asian oils, including cold-extracted sesame or peanut oils, are high in antioxidants and good fats, serving as a strong alternative to olive oil.

Lau also debunked myths surrounding supplements and fasting, pointing out that although these practices can be beneficial, “overdoing them or taking the wrong ones may do more harm than good.”

“[Supplements] are not magic bullets. It’s vital to nourish your body with antioxidants, phytonutrients, and healthy fats to reduce inflammation and aid in cell repair,” she said.

The whole food matrix, where bioactive components work together synergistically, are far superior to relying on a single isolated pill, according to Lau.

Fasting, on the other hand, may not be suitable for everyone, said Lau, adding that focusing on the quality of food is just as important as calorie reduction.

Health improvement isn't as straightforward as following online advice, said Lau, stressing that a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work. Instead, adopting a personalised nutrition plan can greatly enhance an individual's health.

Lau tailors nutrition plans to meet her clients' unique lifestyles by identifying nutrient deficiencies and gaining a thorough understanding of their physiology. She also designs worksite wellness programs to corporates for enhancing employee productivity.

She uses biohacking tools like Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) to monitor real-time blood sugar responses to food.

“My approach is all about supporting people for long-term and sustainable results, rather than quick fixes.  I don't only help with my client's goals. I help them discover hidden opportunities for health,” Lau added.