'Stop when it tastes good': Dr Mahathir on the eating habit behind his 100 years
Reflecting on his daily practices, Dr Mahathir shared that a key part of his routine is preventing weight gain by controlling his food intake.
SHAH ALAM – Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad stated that his longevity and physical well-being stem from disciplined eating habits and a consistent effort to stay active.
He emphasised that both the body and mind must be continuously used to maintain good health.
Reflecting on his daily practices, Dr Mahathir shared that a key part of his routine is preventing weight gain by controlling his food intake.
“I take care of my body, and one of the most important things for me is avoiding becoming overweight. I control this by not overeating,” he said.
He recalled a lesson from his mother: “My late mother used to remind me that when food tastes good, that is the moment to stop eating, because that is when we tend to consume more than we need.
“Eating excessively causes the stomach to expand and once it becomes larger, we need even more food to feel full. When more delicious meals come along, we continue eating beyond what we should and eventually, the cycle leads to weight gain,” he said.
Monitoring cravings and maintaining activity
Dr Mahathir, who turned 100 last July, said he has always made it a point to monitor his cravings.
“This is why I monitor my eating habits. I do not eat beyond fullness; I simply stop when I am satisfied,” he said.
As for exercise, his approach is consistent and practical.
“As for exercise, I stay active mainly through walking. Back in school, I used to run a lot and even played rugby and although I was not always consistent, I still exercised.
“Today, I continue to stay active in the same way by using the treadmill or walking. That is the only form of exercise I follow, as I am not the type who sticks to strict workout routines,” he added.
Keeping body and mind active
Dr Mahathir also stressed that staying active goes beyond physical movement.
For him, being active involves both the body and the mind, as neglecting either will lead to a gradual loss of strength.
He also described that the body reacts directly to how it is used, and over time, inactivity causes it to weaken.
“This is why bodybuilders develop strong physiques; their muscles respond to constant use and grow stronger. But if we hardly move and spend too much time lying down, our muscles lose their ability and power, which is unhealthy. This is why it is important to keep both our bodies and minds active throughout our lives,” he emphasized.
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