Alarming Rise in Obesity in Malaysia
Malaysia is renowned for its delicious cuisine, but this culinary richness may be contributing to a growing health concern. According to a recent tweet from the Malaysian Ministry of Health, 54.4% of Malaysian adults are either overweight or obese, highlighting the issue of obesity in Malaysia.
The tweet highlighted, “Masyarakat Malaysia semakin gemuk! 1️⃣ daripada 2️⃣ dewasa Malaysia adalah berlebihan berat badan dan obes.”
Increasing Obesity Statistics
The 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) revealed a significant rise in overweight and obesity rates among Malaysian adults. In 2019, 50.1% of adults were reported as overweight or obese. This figure has now increased to 54.4% in 2023. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or above are considered overweight, while those with a BMI over 30 are classified as obese.
Globally, the situation is equally concerning. In 2022, 43% of adults aged 18 years and over were overweight, and 16% were living with obesity. The number of overweight adults worldwide has more than doubled since 1990. This global epidemic contributes to numerous health complications, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. In Malaysia, the rising trend mirrors global patterns, emphasising the urgent need for effective interventions to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce obesity rates.
Health Risks Associated with Obesity
The Ministry of Health has expressed concern about the health risks associated with being overweight or obese. Obesity is a significant risk factor for various chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart disease. The NHMS 2023 data reveals that 15.6% of Malaysian adults have diabetes, 29.2% have hypertension, and 33.3% suffer from high cholesterol. These conditions are exacerbated by obesity, leading to severe health complications.
The Ministry emphasised the need for immediate action, stating, “Obes dan berlebihan berat badan adalah faktor risiko kepada diabetes, hipertensi, kolesterol tinggi dan sakit jantung. Bertindak sekarang, obesiti bukan suatu kebiasaan‼️” This translates to, “Obesity and being overweight are risk factors for diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Act now, obesity is not normal‼️” The high prevalence of these conditions highlights the urgent need for Malaysians to adopt healthier lifestyles to mitigate these risks.
National Prevalence and Gender Differences
Research indicates that the national prevalence of obesity is consistently higher in females compared to males. For instance, one study showed that the prevalence of obesity among females was 13.8% compared to 9.6% in males. Among various ethnic groups, Malays and Indians exhibit the highest prevalence rates, while the Chinese have the lowest rates. These disparities suggest that targeted interventions are needed to address specific population groups.
Obesity in Malaysia: Trends Over Time
Longitudinal studies have documented a significant increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Malaysian adults over the past few decades. From 1996 to 2006, obesity rates rose from 4.4% to 14%. This upward trend continued, with the prevalence reaching 19.5% in 2008. Recent data from NHMS 2023 shows that the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity now stands at 54.4%.
The rise in obesity is not unique to Malaysia. Worldwide, adult obesity has more than doubled since 1990. In 2022, 2.5 billion adults were overweight, including 890 million who were living with obesity. This reflects a global trend driven by factors such as poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, and increasing urbanisation.
Age and Ethnicity Factors
The prevalence of obesity is particularly high among the elderly population in Malaysia. Among those aged 60 and above, the obesity rate exceeds 30%. Females and individuals in urban areas, especially among the Indian community, are more affected. This demographic insight is crucial for designing targeted public health strategies.
Obesity among the elderly increases the risk of numerous health issues, including mobility problems, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Addressing obesity in this age group requires tailored interventions that consider their unique health needs and challenges.
Socioeconomic and Lifestyle Factors
Socioeconomic factors, such as income and education level, significantly influence obesity rates in Malaysia. Research shows that higher education and income levels are associated with lower obesity rates. This indicates that socioeconomically disadvantaged groups are more vulnerable to obesity. Public health efforts should therefore focus on these at-risk populations.
Lifestyle factors also play a crucial role. The NHMS 2023 found that 29.9% of Malaysians are physically inactive, and 49.9% engage in sedentary behaviour. Additionally, inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables, coupled with excessive consumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, contributes to the rising obesity rates. Effective public health strategies must address these lifestyle factors to combat obesity.
Increasing Obesity in Children and Adolescents
There is a notable rise in overweight and obesity among Malaysian children and adolescents. Recent studies show that from 2006 to 2015, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children significantly increased, with boys showing higher rates compared to girls. According to NHMS 2023, 37 million children under the age of five were overweight globally, highlighting the severity of this issue.
In Malaysia, this trend mirrors the global situation, with a sharp increase in childhood obesity. This alarming trend calls for urgent measures to promote healthier lifestyles among the younger generation. Encouraging regular physical activity, reducing screen time, and promoting healthy eating habits are crucial steps in addressing this growing problem.
Physical Activity and Obesity in Malaysia
Low levels of physical activity are closely associated with higher obesity rates among Malaysian adults. The NHMS 2023 revealed that 29.9% of Malaysians are physically inactive, while 49.9% engage in sedentary behaviour. Regular physical activity is essential in maintaining a healthy weight and preventing obesity-related diseases.
Programs encouraging moderate to vigorous physical activity are crucial in combating obesity. Community initiatives, workplace wellness programmes, and school-based physical education can play a significant role in increasing activity levels across all age groups. Enhancing public spaces for exercise and promoting active transportation, such as walking and cycling, can also help reduce obesity rates.
Urgent Need for Change
The increase in obesity rates among Malaysian adults is a pressing health issue that requires immediate attention. The NHMS 2023 data highlights the urgency for Malaysians to adopt healthier lifestyles. This involves promoting balanced diets, increasing physical activity, and reducing the consumption of cigarettes and alcohol.
The Ministry of Health urges citizens to take action, emphasising the need for community-wide efforts. Public health campaigns, educational programmes, and policy changes are essential to encourage healthier behaviours. By addressing these factors, Malaysia can work towards reversing the worrying trend of rising obesity rates and improving the overall health of its population.
The rising obesity rates in Malaysia represent a significant public health challenge. Addressing this issue requires comprehensive strategies that promote healthy dietary habits, increase physical activity, and target specific high-risk groups. Public health initiatives must focus on creating supportive environments that make healthy choices easier for everyone.
Community involvement, policy interventions, and sustained educational efforts are essential to curb the obesity epidemic. By taking these steps, Malaysia can improve the health and well-being of its population, reducing the burden of obesity-related diseases and enhancing the quality of life for all its citizens.
References
- Chan, Y. Y., Lim, K. K., Lim, K. H., Teh, C. H., Kee, C. C., Cheong, S. M., Khoo, Y. Y., Baharudin, A., Ling, M. Y., Omar, M. A., & Ahmad, N. A. (2017). Physical activity and overweight/obesity among Malaysian adults: findings from the 2015 National Health and morbidity survey (NHMS). BMC Public Health, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-017-4772-z
- Mohamad, M. S., Naidu, B. M., Kaltiala, R., Virtanen, S. M., & Lehtinen-Jacks, S. (2021). Thinness, overweight and obesity among 6- to 17-year-old Malaysians: secular trends and sociodemographic determinants from 2006 to 2015. Public Health Nutrition, 24(18), 6309–6322. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1368980021003190
- Dunn, R. A., Tan, A. K., & Nayga, R. M. (2012). Obesity inequality in Malaysia: decomposing differences by gender and ethnicity using quantile regression. Ethnicity & Health, 17(5), 493–511. https://doi.org/10.1080/13557858.2012.661407
- Ariaratnam, S., Hasani, W. S. R., Krishnapillai, A. D., Hamid, H. a. A., Ling, M. Y. J., Ho, B. K., Ghazali, S. S., Tohit, N. M., & Yusoff, M. F. M. (2020). Prevalence of obesity and its associated risk factors among the elderly in Malaysia: Findings from The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2015. PloS One, 15(9), e0238566. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0238566
- Khambalia, A. Z., & Seen, L. S. (2010). Trends in overweight and obese adults in Malaysia (1996–2009): a systematic review. Obesity Reviews, 11(6), 403–412. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-789x.2010.00728.x
- Rampal, L., Rampal, S., Khor, G. L., Zain, A. M., Ooyub, S. B., Rahmat, R. B., Ghani, S. N., & Krishnan, J. (2007). A National Study on the Prevalence of Obesity among 16,127 Malaysians. Airiti Library 華藝線上圖書館. https://doi.org/10.6133/apjcn.2007.16.3.22
- NHMS 2023. (n.d.). Institute for Public Health. https://iku.gov.my/nhms-2023
- Obesity and overweight. (2024, March 1). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
