Low activity of “Leptin” among the obese: vicious cycle leading to obesity

There is a type of hormone in the human body known as “leptin”, which can suppress appetite, increase basic metabolic rate and aids in burning calories. Although “leptin” is a fat cell secrete, meaning there will be more “leptin” in an obese body, it will however be much less active, while a leaner body with have less “leptin” though with much higher activity. Simply put, if we eat high-calorie and high-fat food, it will suppress “leptin” secretion, causing our metabolism rate to be lower, resulting in the accumulation of fats. When the body becomes obese, the activity of “leptin” within the body will be dramatically decreased, causing us to want to eat more while entering a dreadful vicious cycle.

Choosing Red-Green Light Dim Sum Wisely: Avoid Fattening Traps

There are countless types of Dim Sums, with many being high-fat high-cal. Not wanting to turn obese while eating? Here are some pointers to take note of while choosing Dim Sum, so as not to fall into fattening traps.

Red Light: Most Unhealthy Dims Sum, Try Avoiding

Yellow Light: Consume these Dim Sums in Suitable Amount

Green Light: Most healthy Dims Sum, Eat More

* According to a daily intake of 2,000 calories per person

** According to a daily intake of 1,500 calories per person

5 Ground Rules for Choosing Dim Sum:

1. Steamed Dim Sum will always be healthier than fried Dim Sum, such as meat and vegetable bun will contain less oil than fried buns, reducing the fat intake burden.
2. Choose Dim Sums which are filling, such as buns, steamed rice rolls or steamed dumplings; avoid non-filling all-meat Dim Sums, such as rib bones, steamed meatballs or chicken legs etc.
3. Most of the Dim Sums contains a certain portion of carbohydrates, 1 small bowl of friend noodle or rice alone holds 150 calories and over a teaspoon of oil, therefore they should be avoided in the same meal
4. Dim Sum usually contains a lot of hidden fats and oil, filling itself up cholesterol traps. As such, avoid Dim Sums which are obviously high in cholesterol, such as pig liver, quail egg siew mai, pepper pig belly, Chu Hou golden belly, salt and pepper squids etc.
5. Have at most 1 piece or 1/3 steamer of each type of Dim Sum, with 5-6 variations each time as the upper limit, including 1 type of bun, 1 type of steamed rice roll, and 1 type of boiled vegetable.  

Reference: Centre For Food Safety