Obesity crisis: One in two adults at risk in Malaysia

THE National Health Obesity Survey 2023 shows that the prevalence of obesity among Asian adults continues to rise at an alarming rate.

The latest data reveals that 54.4 per cent of Malaysians are currently overweight or obese. In other words, one in two adults in Malaysia is living with excess weight, a stark reminder of the escalating public health crisis.

These figures are more than just statistics—they represent individuals facing daily challenges, with obesity serving as a root cause of severe health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, kidney issues, and metabolic syndrome.

Experts highlight that obesity is now recognised as a major non-communicable disease (NCD) alongside diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

Head of Endocrinology Subspecialty Service of the Health Ministry Dr Nurain Mohd Noor said adressing this issue requires an urgent, united response across all sectors.

"Collaboration is essential. We must unite to create supportive communities that promote healthy lifestyles and foster a society that values health and well-being for everyone, regardless of size or shape," she said at the World Obesity Forum held last week.

Dr Nurain also emphasised the critical role of women in driving positive change and combating obesity stigma. Globally, women make up 70 per cent of the healthcare workforce, placing them in a unique position to influence public health initiatives and societal perceptions.

"Our leadership is not just about holding positions of power. It's about using our influence to make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most," she said.

Reflecting on her early career, Dr Nurain shared an eye-opening moment that shaped her approach to treating patients with obesity.

"Fifteen years ago, I had a patient in my obesity clinic. I asked her why she wasn’t losing weight. She was upset and scolded me, saying, ‘I’m trying my best, and you just say I don’t lose weight.’”

This experience taught her the importance of empathy and understanding the psychological and mental health aspects of obesity management.

"As a junior doctor back then, my focus was solely on telling patients to lose weight. But that interaction made me realise the need for a holistic approach, addressing not just the physical but also the emotional and psychological dimensions of the issue," she admitted.

Dr Nurain later provided the patient with anti-obesity medication, which helped her achieve weight loss.

"She was so happy, and that success stressed the importance of tailoring interventions to each individual's needs," she added.

Commenting further, Dr Nurain advocates for a multidisciplinary approach in managing obesity, involving endocrinologists, dieticians, physiotherapists, psychologists and even surgeons for patients requiring bariatric interventions.

However, she noted that Malaysia faces a shortage of psychologists, which poses challenges in addressing the behavioral aspects of obesity.

"Behavioral change is critical but not easy. Patients also have genetic and other factors that increase their risk of obesity. Accessible treatment options, including medications and surgical interventions, are vital," she explained.

Obesity is more than a medical issue—it is a societal challenge requiring a collective response. As Malaysia grapples with rising obesity rates, the call to action is clear: foster inclusive, supportive communities, empower healthcare workers to lead the charge, and prioritize empathy in treating those affected.