How do you get yourself slim and beautiful, firm and flawless, just like a model? Are you looking for a chance to get yourself fit before trying on your new swimming suit and running onto the beach?

Inspired by the success of its Meilong and Hongqiao slimming centres, Marie France Bodyline, one of the international frontrunners in the slimming industry, is planning to open another two centres in Shanghai's Xujiahui and Pudong areas this year. Dr Urs Freiburghaus, a doctor who is an independent consultant for Marie France Bodyline, based in Switzerland, was visiting Marie France Bodyline's Hongqiao centre last week, updating the company's Shanghai branches with the most professional treatment solutions, now popular throughout the world.

The Shanghai Star had an exclusive interview with the doctor, asking him for his professional suggestions for those committed to slimming plans this summer.

Q: I know that the famous HK star Christy Chung is one of the most successful examples of people who have benefited from Marie France Bodyline. Would the way you treated Christy be suitable and effective for other consumers?

A: I cannot say. Individual differences are quite important in the slimming industry. You have to first see a medical professional, find out about your problems concerning diet, exercises and figure. Then it is possible to devise a special slimming plan perfectly tailored to your personal situation.

Q: So what is the most popular method in the slimming industry?

A: Well, I have to say dieting and taking pills, although these are not in my opinion the best approaches. Generally, the methods people adopt are based on regional differences. Presently, European and American people are increasingly turning to liposuction surgery. Of course, the rise of slimming centres such as Marie France Bodyline will gradually make its approach more fashionable.

Q: In your opinion, which part of the body should Chinese women pay most attention to getting into shape?

A: Generally speaking, Asian countries have a lower proportion of overweight people compared with European countries. But Asian women seem to have some problems with their lower part and some other areas such as their thighs, hips and arms. They should not generally be advised to lose any more weight, but I would suggest they work on their shape.

Q: How many kilograms of weight-loss a week can be said to be a reasonable weight-reduction goal?

A: According to statistics released by the World Health Organization, losing from 0.5-1.5kg per week is reasonable. Of course, during the first week, when you start to change your diet and do more exercise, you may lose more.

Q: Why do we sometimes find it difficult to control our appetites for food?

A: Pay attention to hunger cues. Hunger followed by plentiful food often leads to over-eating, so eating a low-calorie healthy snack when you feel hungry can help you stay in balance. There are other reasons too, such as being bored, frustrated, dissatisfied, nervous and the like. Also, women before and during their menstrual period are inclined to eat more food.

Q: If we do exercise at home and pay more attentions to our eating habits, can we achieve a slim figure by ourselves?

A: Excessive exercise may be helpful in reducing body-weight, but it may also build-up strong muscles, which will in turn make you look unbalanced and ugly. My suggestion is that you should see a specialist and tell him you want toning and reduction of certain areas of your body. Good expert advice should help you a lot.

(Shanghai Star  August 19, 2004)