Exercise builds muscle but can't remove gynecomastia gland tissue. Singapore doctor Dr Ivan Puah explains why, and what actually works.
July 14, 2026
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In Singapore, workaholism is a major issue affecting nearly half of the workforce, leading to mental and physical exhaustion. Heavy workloads, personal expectations, and limited recognition, especially among younger professionals, contribute to this trend.
The relentless hustle can disrupt personal lives, leading to stress and fatigue, as well as lower energy and self-esteem. While a healthy diet and exercise are important, procedures like Vaser Lipo can help with stubborn areas.
It's crucial to tackle workaholism by prioritising our well-being, resetting our sleep schedules, staying active, and always listening to what our bodies are telling us.
Workaholism isn’t an unfamiliar concept in Singapore.
Nearly half (47%) of Singaporean workers feel mentally and physically exhausted at the end of their workday, according to TELUS Health's mental health index.
The primary cause of burnout is:
- excessive workload (27%)
- personal demands (16%)
- lack of recognition (13%)
Workers under 40 are almost twice as likely to struggle with motivation compared to those over 50.
And this doesn’t just stem from a stressful work environment.
Singaporeans aren’t just working in the workplace; they are also working on their off days, while on holiday and even while they’re supposed to be resting on their sick leave.
And the simple reason for this is that we’re unable to ‘tune out’ from work.
Workaholism is a vicious cycle, trapping you in a state of paranoia and lack of sleep, be it when you are (supposedly) having a leisurely dinner, or (ostensibly) relaxing the evening away with loved ones.
It is a parasite that will only bury itself deeper if you let it.
Working Out The Workaholic
Workaholism isn’t a casual idea that should be taken lightly.
There have been studies arguing correlations between workaholism and psychiatric symptoms.
If you’re not a particularly disciplined person, classes are one of the easiest ways to find your fitness groove.
Watching your diet closely is also another method, which brings me to DIY meal plans.
Of course, it’s a lot easier when there’s already someone else at home prepping weekly meals.
Now fats.
Having fats isn’t bad, but when they come in excess, that’s when you can be in trouble.
Low energy levels and low self-esteem are just some of the side effects, and being a workaholic certainly doesn’t help.
Workouts can get rid of excess fat, but there are often stubborn layers that will not disappear, no matter how many sit-ups you do.
Liposuction for those extra rolls accumulated from sitting too much
That’s where liposuction can come into play.
One misconception people have about liposuction is that it’s about weight loss, but in truth, it’s more about removing stubborn fat.
This would be the time to get rid of those extra rolls accumulated from sitting too much, for too long.
Vaser Lipo is the latest minimally invasive liposuction technique that targets unwanted fat cells, leaving important tissues largely undisturbed.
Unlike traditional liposuction, Vaser Lipo is the most advanced liposuction technique today.
Sculpt an athletic build with Vaser Hi-def Lipo
If you are trying to sculpt an athletic build but those exercises are not chiselling the abs out, Vaser Hi-Def Lipo uses the modern body sculpting laser technology.
This treatment can reduce fat around muscle groups, rendering muscles with better definition and a more refined look.
Fat in the chest (pseudogynecomastia) or enlarged man boobs (gynecomastia)?
For males, a common misconception is that the pain in the chest area is brought on by overindulgence and lack of exercise.
Gynecomastia isn’t caused by fat accumulation.
Fat in the chest is called pseudogynecomastia.
It is a medical condition that the gym or a healthy diet cannot solve.
Swelling of the glandular tissue in the chest area can cause chest pain.
Breaking The Habit
Learning to be an un-workaholic is not as simple as pulling yourself away from work; it’s also about paying attention to your health.
If your workaholism stems from restless nights and not being able to work efficiently, start resetting your sleep cycle with proper food and exercise.
The exercise endorphins can mean night and day, and you might even find your attentiveness improving, which can lead to better work attitudes.
If you are in pain in any way, don’t assume that it is just work fatigue.
That pain might be a signal that your body is crying out for help.
Listen to it.
