KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- In response to a significant rise in mental health conditions affecting the nation, Malaysia will host a major international conference aimed at exploring new, evidence-based solutions to address the growing public health challenge.
The 5th Malaysian Lifestyle Medicine Conference, themed “Reimagining Mental Health with Lifestyle Medicine”, organised by the Malaysian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (MSLM), will be held from Oct 27 to 29, 2025, at the Berjaya Times Square Hotel.
President and Founder of MSLM Dr Siva Poobalasingam, who is also Chair of the Advisory Board of the Lifestyle Medicine Global Alliance, stated that the conference aims to shift the paradigm of mental healthcare in Malaysia.
“Mental health is not just an individual concern but a societal issue that demands holistic and innovative solutions,” he said in a statement.
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, depression rates in Malaysia have doubled since 2019, with more than one million individuals aged 15 and above now suffering from the condition.
This mirrors a global trend highlighted by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which reports that over one billion people worldwide are living with a mental health condition.
The conference will champion Lifestyle Medicine, which utilises therapeutic approaches such as nutrition, physical activity, sleep optimisation, positive social connections, and stress management as a central part of healthcare.
“Our focus is on equipping healthcare professionals with tools and strategies to prevent, manage, and treat mental health conditions through evidence-based lifestyle interventions,” said Dr Siva.
Among the international experts are Immediate Past President of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and Harvard Medical School faculty member Dr Elizabeth Frates; Nutritional Psychiatry pioneer at Harvard Medical School Dr Uma Naidoo; and Chief Medical Officer of Blue Zones Health Dr Wayne Dysinger, an organisation recognised for its work on the world’s longest-lived populations.
They will be joined by the President of the Malaysian Mental Health Association Prof Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj, ensuring a robust exchange of global and local perspectives.
The scientific programme will delve into pressing topics such as the connection between diet and mood, the impact of the gut microbiome on mental health, the role of social determinants, and the “stress-mitochondria connection.”
“This conference is not just an academic gathering; it is a call to action. We invite physicians and allied health professionals to learn about strategies that can help their patients promote mental well-being,” Dr Siva added.
The three-day hybrid event will include lectures, interactive workshops, and panel discussions designed for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and wellness advocates to collaborate on reshaping the future of mental healthcare.
Registration details are available at https://lifestylemedicinemalaysia.org/conference/. For enquiries, email info@lifestylemedicinemalaysia.org or call/WhatsApp 012-393 5016.
-- BERNAMA
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