LOSING THOSE extra pounds isn’t just about vanity anymore. Obesity brings with it such chronic ailments as hypertension, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.
Considered as the second leading cause of preventable deaths, obesity actually contributes to at least 300,000 deaths around the world each year, according to data provided by Roche Philippines.
And it should be a cause for alarm for Filipinos as obesity has started to become more prevalent in the country.
In 2008, it was reported that almost 27 percent or 11.2 million adults were considered overweight while 4.1 percent or 1.7 million were categorized as candidates for obesity. These latest figures reflected more than 150-percent increase compared to the 1998 figures.
Although more Filipinos are aware of this so-called “epidemic” and are willing to do their share to lose those extra pounds, not all have been successful in their battle against the bulges.
Combat obesity
This, according to Xenical brand manager Gabby Gonzalez, is the reason that they are launching the “Club New You.”
“We’re launching this new program that we hope will help Filipinos combat obesity and being overweight effectively. It’s for Xenical users, to support them in their journey to weight loss,” explained Gonzalez in an interview with the Inquirer.
“With Club New You what we really want to promote is that if people sign up they will be able to find new versions of themselves by getting overall health by using Xenical and by participating in our activities. We believe that the club will really help individuals lose weight and be better versions of themselves,” Gonzalez added.
According to him, a number of benefits await those who would sign up.
“Upon signing up, our health consultants will check on members every so often to (monitor their progress). The consultants will also offer dietary and exercise information and also motivate them to stick to the Xenical regimen. The website would provide highly relevant articles, videos which we believe will be very useful for our members,” he explained.
“We are tying up with certain partner establishments (gyms, restaurants and retail shops) around the country which will give exclusive perks to our club members,” Gonzalez added.
Asked how one can sign up, Gonzalez said there are actually several ways to register. “You can do it by simply filling out a registration form from our partner doctors, drugstores, online (www.new you.com.ph), or though the Xenical hotline. So everyone is entitled to join, males and females,” he said.
Weight-loss product
To date, Xenical is the only weight loss pill, which has been proven to provide effective weight management solution.
“Xenical is the weight-loss product that has been subjected to the most number of clinical trials and these studies have shown that (Xenical) is able to help one lose weight. It also can reduce the risk of high blood, diabetes and other diseases,” Gonzalez noted.
“It’s been originally registered as an ethical treatment, so it has gone through the regular process of clinical trials and clinical developments proving efficacy and safety,” he added.
Although Xenical can be a good partner in losing those extra pounds, Gonzalez was quick to add that in the end, losing weight will also need one’s discipline and determination to pursue dieting and exercise.
Xenical is taken during or after one hour of each meal daily. Individuals aged 12 and above can use the pill up to two to four years, depending on the individuals’ desired weight target.