Demise of participant from Lose To Win reality TV programme

14 Feb 2011

Question No:  692   

Question

Name of the Person: Dr Lam Pin Min

To ask the Minister for Health (a) what circumstances led to the demise of the participant from the “Lose To Win” reality TV programme organised by the Health Promotion Board; (b) whether there are sufficient safeguards in place to ensure participants are selected carefully and the weight loss programme is executed safely; and (c) whether there were any other adverse consequences experienced by other participants of this programme.

Question No:  696   

Question

Name of the Person: Dr Ong Seh Hong

To ask the Minister for Health (a) whether he will provide details on the "Lose to Win" programme of the Health Promotion Board (HPB) to encourage people to lose weight and the medical and scientific basis for such promotion of health; (b) what were the causes that led to the death of a contestant; and (c) what assurances can be provided that future HPB health-related promotions will not compromise public safety.

Reply

Reply From MOH

1. Dr Lam and Dr Ong referred to the late Mr Ong Joo Aun who had participated in the Health Promotion Board’s “Lose to Win” programme.  We were all saddened to learn of his death.

2. The late Mr Ong took part in the “Lose to Win” programme in 2009. He joined the programme to raise his fitness level. During the course of the 12 week programme, he lost 3.2 kg from his original weight of 75.8 kg.  His BMI (Body Mass Index) improved from 28 to 26.  

3. For the 2010 “Lose to Win”, Mr Ong did not compete in it.  However, he joined in the group exercises as a returning alumnus.   He was jovial and cheerful, popular with other participants and the trainers.   

4. In December, on his own accord, he joined and completed a 10km run at the Standard Chartered Marathon.  His family and colleagues were proud of his achievement. 

5. On Jan 22, Mr Ong took part in a fitness assessment organised by the HPB at Yishun Stadium.  The assessment included a safety briefing, a ten minute warm-up session, followed by a 2km walk test.   All safety procedures were in place: HPB and fitness staff kept watch on the participants, an ambulance was on stand-by, with 3 paramedics. 

6. The walk was uneventful.  All the 67 participants completed the 2km walk, taking from 14 to 23 minutes.  Mr Ong completed it in 17 minutes, an average speed of 7km/hour.  As part of the fitness assessment, his heart rate was measured at the end of the walk.  It registered 93 beats per minute.

7. While he was resting and chatting with fellow participants, he suddenly collapsed.  The paramedics were close by and delivered immediate resuscitative measures while he was sent to the nearby Khoo Teck Puat Hospital by ambulance.   Unfortunately, he passed away soon after at the hospital.  The cause of death was recorded as “ischaemic heart disease”. 

8. The “Lose to Win” is a team-based, 12 week programme.  It includes comprehensive fitness assessments, supervised physical activities and nutrition workshops.  After the course, there are follow-up maintenance activities.  The entire programme is designed to achieve a safe approach to losing weight.  While there is some competitive element to raise interest among the participants and the TV audience, HPB’s programme emphasizes safe, gradual and sustainable weight loss.  This is a different approach from similar reality TV programmes in other countries.

9. There are safety measures at various stages of the programme.  First, the programme is designed to target weight loss at not more than 1kg per week. Second, the programme does not take in applicants whose BMIs exceed 37.5.  Such applicants are advised to join hospital-based weight management programmes instead. Third, there are rigorous screening procedures to pick up applicants with medical risk.  The latter will require medical clearance to participate.  In Mr Ong’s case, although he had a heart bypass ten years ago, his doctor had found his medical condition stable and that he was fit to exercise regularly.  Fourth, the exercises are properly supervised as earlier described. 

10. Apart from this incident involving Mr Ong, there had been no adverse consequences, other than simple muscle strains and sprains.   

11. Nevertheless, HPB has suspended the “Lose to Win” programme.  We have also set up an expert panel to review the entire programme, including its selection criteria and safety measures.  The Panel is chaired by Professor Ng Han Seong, Chairman, Medical Board of the Singapore General Hospital.

12 Meanwhile, the fight against obesity remains a priority for my Ministry.  With rising obesity, we must all strive to win the battle in a sustainable and safe way.