AS THE PRESSURE ON celebrities to look a million dollars intensifies, the small fortunes they spend on personal trainers, chefs and stylists is no longer enough, it seems.
In a bid to stay in top shape, Hong Kong A-listers have been quick to follow their Hollywood counterparts who are now insisting on looking good inside and out - with the help of personal nutritionists.
Mylene Khoo , who counts local celebrities, socialites and businessmen among her clients, runs the Tetra Nutritional Consultation Centres in Jordan and Causeway Bay. Like all registered dieticians - anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, but dieticians must be registered, so check credentials before you book - Khoo helps people with serious health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure, but many of her clients simply want to lose weight and stay fit.
The process begins with a detailed analysis of eating habits using a daily food diary clients are asked to keep. Lifestyle is equally important with exercise habits, work stress and social commitments factored into the assessment. Those scared of the scales need to brace themselves for an honest weigh-in, height and body fat calculation. Since not all god's children are created equal, what is a healthy weight for one person might be considered obese for another.
The role of nutritionist often spills over into the realm of counsellor, says Khoo. 'You have to understand the way people think. Some people eat because of anger or loneliness. I encourage them to call me and talk about their feelings before they start eating to fill the void.' As a result, Khoo receives phone calls and text messages at all hours of the day and night from her 'less emotionally stable' clients. Like Tinseltown's trainers, Khoo can be whoever you want her to be - psychologist, disciplinarian and friend. 'Some clients just want to talk about their life, others need someone to tell them off when they lose control,' says Khoo. 'Some people just enjoy having someone tell them what to do.'
Private sessions with nutritionists cost from $300 to $900, depending on who you see and the level of service you require.
