SHAH ALAM - A growing concern in Malaysia is the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity.
According to the Health Ministry's (MOH) latest National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, over half (54.4 per cent) of Malaysian adults are now overweight or obese, a significant increase from 50.1 per cent in 2019.
This translates to roughly 11 million Malaysians, out of an estimated 22 million adults nationwide.
The NHMS data painted a worrying trend, with overweight and obesity rates steadily climbing since 2011 (44.5 per cent).
"The NHMS 2023 report showed a concerning rise in overweight and obesity among adults.
"This is a serious health risk factor for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure," MOH said in a message via the X application.
The MOH also urged Malaysians to prioritise healthy living: "Eat healthily, stay active, and avoid smoking and alcohol. Obesity is not inevitable; take action now!"
While the NHMS data focused on Body Mass Index (BMI), it's important to note that BMI is just one measure of health.
Malaysia Second in Southeast Asia for Obesity Rates (2016-2024)
Separate data from the CIA's World Factbook (2016-2024) positioned Malaysia as the second-highest country in Southeast Asia for adult obesity, with a prevalence of 19.7 per cent.
Brunei leads the region at 28.2 per cent, while Thailand (11.6 per cent), Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam follow.
Debate on Late-Night Food Options Continues
The issue of excess weight in Malaysia has sparked discussions about food availability.
Last year, the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) called for a ban on 24-hour eateries, citing research linking late-night eating to weight gain and health problems.
CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader argued that limiting access to late-night food could promote healthier habits.
However, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad expressed concerns about the effectiveness of such a ban, suggesting Malaysians might simply turn to readily available alternatives like instant noodles or roadside stalls.