Cheng Meng-ju Partners with Clinic to Host Metabolic Syndrome Seminar, Shares 35kg Weight Loss Journey to Advocate for Healthy Living

Kaohsiung City Councilor Cheng Meng-ju partnered with Orange Tian Shiquan Clinic yesterday (29th) to host a 'Understanding Metabolic Syndrome' health education seminar at the Sanmin Park Senior Activity Center. The event featured Dr. Chen Songyi, CEO of Orange Tian Shiquan Clinic, who delivered an accessible presentation on the risk factors and prevention methods of metabolic syndrome to local community members. Councilor Cheng also shared her personal experience of receiving metabolic syndrome warnings due to obesity and successfully losing 35 kilograms through boxing exercises and dietary adjustments, encouraging the public to start building healthier habits in daily life.

Integrating medical expertise with community resources to enhance senior health awareness and reduce chronic disease risks

According to surveys by the Health Promotion Administration, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among adults aged 20 to 64 is as high as 24.8%, meaning approximately one in four people has related health issues—with men affected at a higher rate than women. While not a single disease, metabolic syndrome significantly increases the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke if three or more of the following five indicators are present: abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, elevated fasting blood glucose, high triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol.

During the seminar, Dr. Chen Songyi explained in simple terms how abdominal obesity and visceral fat accumulation can lead to insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, thereby negatively affecting blood sugar, lipids, and blood pressure. He emphasized the importance of regularly monitoring waist circumference, blood pressure, blood sugar, and lipid levels, and recommended reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome and chronic diseases through balanced diets, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and stress management.

Councilor Cheng shared that she had personally struggled with weight issues, making her acutely aware of how difficult it can be to change lifestyle habits. She encouraged seniors to gradually adjust their diets, increase physical activity, maintain regular sleep patterns, and develop the habit of regular health check-ups. By building a foundation of health in everyday life, she said, individuals can improve key indicators such as waist size, blood pressure, blood sugar, and lipid levels, thereby reducing the threat of chronic diseases.

The seminar was made possible with the support of local leaders, including Fuh Chiu-yang, Li Chang of Anhe Village; Chang-Chien Wang-yu-chu, Li Chang of Daming Village; Lin Tien-hsiang, Li Chang of Andong Village; Yuan Pi-chiao, Li Chang of Deren Village; former Li Chang Pai Shih-hsien; and Chen Ching-yuan, Li Chang of Tongde Village. Many senior community members actively participated, attentively listening to the presentations and enthusiastically asking questions about diet control, exercise methods, management of the 'three highs' (hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia), and interpreting health check results, creating a lively and interactive atmosphere.

Councilor Cheng emphasized that protecting senior health requires the combined efforts of medical professionals and community forces. She pledged to continue collaborating with local medical institutions and community resources to organize more health promotion events tailored to public needs, bringing accurate and practical health knowledge into communities, enhancing public health awareness, and jointly creating a healthy and livable environment for all citizens.