“Walk briskly for at least 30 minutes daily; do not miss breakfast at any cost; sleep at least for eight hours; don’t smoke and drink; watch your waist.”
A pep talk on healthy living is perhaps the most favourite part for doctors while they check patients and their list of do’s and don’ts goes on.
But do they practice what they preach, considering that there are many doctors struggling to win the battle of the bulge. Yet, there are doctors who meticulously follow their own advice.
“I felt that if I can’t set an example, then I do not have the moral right to advice on healthy living. Nobody will take me seriously if I have a huge waist line. As a doctor, you have to practise what you preach,” says Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology.
In his battle against fat, the reputed gastroenterologist brought down his weight from 95 kg to 80 kg within two years. Come what may, everyday, the 56-year-old hits the gym between 6.30 a.m. and 7.30 a.m. and does a 45-minute cardio and 15 minutes of weight training.
Cardiologist-actor Dr. Bharat Reddy seriously believes in pumping iron and doing cardio to stay in shape. The heart specialist becomes animated when asked as to why people are not able to control lifestyle ailments like diabetes and blood pressure.
“South Indians are getting killed by three whites, which are rice, sugar and salt. Even doctors do not take care of themselves. Controlling reckless eating habits and daily workouts are the secrets of healthy living,” he says.
Everyday between 5 p.m. and 6.30 p.m., the 32-year-old hits the gym and does an hour of kickboxing, cardio and weight training. “Running, swimming or at least playing cricket or football should be part of our lives,” the proud owner of six-pack abs says.
What is the motivation to exercise. “You have to be selfish and dedicate an hour a day to yourself. One should have a target to work out at least 25 times in a month. Always believe in your work and work out,” says 41-year-old senior nephrologist Dr. Ravi Andrews. The kidney specialist spends nearly 90 minutes a day at the gym chiselling his body.
Aiming to take part in marathons is also a good way to motivate oneself, says senior general physician, Dr. B. Vijay Kumar, who has completed several half-marathons in the Capital. He does not start his day without 45 minutes of cardio and 20 minutes of weight training. “We have to send an example before advising others,” he says.
