Asian Hospital CEO lives the Cohen lifestyle

MANILA, Philippines -  For Andres “Andi” Licaros Jr., president and CEO of the Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC), being in the healthcare industry means being a good example when it comes to taking care of one’s health. So, when he tipped the scales at 221 lbs. and observed some symptoms of hypertension and pre-diabetes, he knew something must be done.

Last March, Andi enrolled in the Cohen’s Lifestyle Program, a rapid weight loss and wellness solution through nutrition based on a person’s unique blood profile. At first, he admitted having been forced by his wife and children to sign up. But what followed became the start of his inspiring journey towards a healthier body.

As the top exec of a leading hospital, Andi often went through a busy day of meetings as well as conferences, which meant heaps of food being served. His office drawer, he reveals, always had chocolate and junk food through which he dealt with daily stress. And with his tiring job of monitoring AHMC’s operations, he’d crave a heavy meal by the end of the day, to which he attributes his weight gain.

Andi did try to manage his weight on his own by engaging in some physical activities. He did brisk walking, ran regularly, and tended to a garden in his backyard. But his weight problem eventually presented challenges: “I lost flexibility and felt lethargic at times, and it became hard for me to reach for objects. My knees also began to hurt when I ran.”

He adds, “When I felt like I was too heavy, I would cut down on certain things, like rice and sugar, but that was only one meal in a day, which I would make up for the next day.” He also went through at least four diet programs, including the no-rice and after-six diet, and abstained from meat for 40 days during Lent every year. But he reveals eating voraciously after — or in his words, “coming back with a vengeance,” because he felt deprived.

None of Andi’s own weight management methods proved to be as effective as the Cohen’s Lifestyle Program, through which he lost 42 lbs. in four months. He credits the effectiveness of the program to its structured approach: “It was very specific in defining the types of food I could eat. It explains the way the food is supposed to be cooked, and how much the ingredients should weigh.”

Cooking the Cohen way is based on the philosophy that “food is the medicine” for those who want to lose weight. Following the work of Dr. Rami Cohen, the Cohen’s Lifestyle Centre developed the eating plan with the goal of achieving hormonal balance in the body and restoring its natural ability to burn fat and use it as energy.

He talks about looking forward to Cohen dishes, lovingly prepared by his wife every day: “I have always liked the simple way of cooking, which allows you to appreciate the flavors of food.” He also thanks his children, who joined him during meals at home instead of eating out like they often used to do.

Following the Cohen discipline has delivered impressive results for Andi, and he is confident that he can achieve his weight loss goal for his last two months in the program. He just completed blood tests, which shows that his health is in great condition, and that he is ready to accomplish his mission: “To lead the AHMC so that it becomes the best hospital in the country in terms of quality of patient care and patient safety.”

He is also proud to be an inspiration to his colleagues and subordinates at work. “After my talk in forums, I would often be approached by old friends who would comment about how much weight I’ve lost, and I hope they see that if I can do it, they can, too.” Because of this, he strongly encourages others who are dealing with weight problems to try the program.

Perhaps the best part of Andi’s weight loss journey is being able to see himself enjoying more years with the family he built with his lovely wife Mavic, especially after their daughter Anna Theresa, 2007 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe, gave birth to his first grandchild, Lope Francesco: “Lolo na ako, and I have three sons. I have to keep my progress because I still want to see them grow.”

To learn more about the Cohen’s Lifestyle Program, visit www.cohenlifestyle.com.ph.