Sayang, Kan? Why science and kindness are key to Malaysia’s weight crisis

KUALA LUMPUR – Health experts are calling for a shift in how obesity is understood and discussed in Malaysia, urging Malaysians to move away from stigma and toward a more compassionate, science-based approach to care.

The discussion took place in conjunction with the launch of the 'Sayang, Kan?' public awareness initiative, which uses a familiar Malay phrase often associated with care and concern to prompt reflection on how society speaks about weight and health.

The campaign centers on the idea that if Malaysians truly care about themselves and others, that care should extend to seeking proper medical understanding and support early, rather than relying on blame or appearance-based judgment.

With more than half of Malaysian adults living with overweight or obesity, panelists stressed that the condition is increasingly a national health concern linked to rising cases of diabetes, heart disease, and other non-communicable diseases.

Shifting the Narrative on Obesity

Speaking at the session, Novo Nordisk Pharma (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd General Manager Dr. Praful Chakkarwar said obesity continues to be misunderstood as a matter of willpower alone, when in reality it is a chronic disease influenced by biological and environmental factors.

He highlighted the need to recognise factors such as "food noise," describing it as a persistent biological drive that can influence eating behavior beyond conscious control.

"Obesity is a chronic disease influenced by biology and is closely linked to cardiovascular health. Managing it means understanding drivers such as food noise and focusing on improving overall health, including reducing fat in areas that impact cardiovascular risk, not just chasing a lower number on the scale," he said at the launch today.

Lived Experience: It’s Not Just About Discipline

Chef Ili Sulaiman, who shared her experience living with obesity, said understanding food noise changed how she viewed her own health journey.

As a chef, she said food had always been a big part of her life, but after being diagnosed with a heart condition and managing Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), she became much more conscious about her eating habits.

"I started becoming very hard on myself. Over time, I realised that food noise is biological and that I wasn't simply failing. Sayang, kan? We're often so hard on ourselves when, sometimes, we just need better understanding and support," she said during a panel session.

From a clinical standpoint, specialists emphasised that weight alone is not the full picture of health risk.

Consultant Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon Dr. Reynu Rajan noted that where fat is stored in the body plays a critical role in determining health outcomes.

"Health risks are driven largely by excess fat around vital organs, not just total body weight. We should focus on reducing harmful visceral fat while preserving muscle. Obesity care is not cosmetic, it is about improving long-term health and quality of life," she said.

Tackling Stigma in Healthcare Access

Public health officials also stressed that stigma remains one of the biggest barriers preventing people from seeking early care. Director of the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Division at the Health Ministry, Dr. Noraryana Hassan, said many individuals delay treatment because they feel judged or blamed.

"When people feel misunderstood, they delay care. Recognising obesity as a chronic disease and understanding concepts like food noise helps reduce stigma. When conversations are grounded in science and compassion, people are more likely to seek help earlier," she said.

While the 'Sayang, Kan?' initiative aims to encourage more compassionate conversations around obesity, panelists collectively emphasized a broader message where early intervention, informed understanding, and reduced stigma are essential to improving Malaysia’s response to rising obesity rates.