In Thailand, ‘Obesity in Our Monks Is a Ticking Time Bomb"

[Bob]

In Thailand, ‘Obesity in Our Monks Is a Ticking Time Bomb’

. . . Monks are at the forefront of the problem. Nearly half are obese, according to a study conducted by Chulalongkorn University. More than 40 percent have high cholesterol, nearly 25 percent have high blood pressure and one in 10 are diabetic, the study found.

“Obesity in our monks is a ticking time bomb,” said Jongjit Angkatavanich, a professor of food and nutrition at the university’s Faculty of Allied Health Sciences in Bangkok. “Many of the monks are suffering from diseases that we know are actually preventable.”

One major culprit? “Sugary drinks,” Professor Jongjit said.

Monks are forbidden to eat after midday, so to keep their energy up, many rely on highly sweetened beverages, including energy drinks.

. . . “Monks should be mindful of what they eat, the amount as well as the kind of food,” said Phra Maha Boonchuay Doojai, former director of the Chiang Mai Buddhist College in northern Thailand, who was involved in drawing up the recommendations.

“It is one of the Buddha’s teachings,” he said. “When we are healthy, we can serve the people better.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/12/worl ... v=top-news