Over 254,000 Malaysian Adults Identified As Obese - Dzulkefly

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- More than 254,000 Malaysian adults have been identified as obese under the National Health Screening Initiative (NHSI) this year, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

He said screenings involving 1.2 million adults nationwide conducted up to September 2025 found that 30.9 per cent were obese, while another 30.8 per cent were overweight.

“This is a wake-up call for all of us. Obesity is not merely a lifestyle issue but a pressing public health challenge that demands early detection, intervention and a shift in public perception,” he said in the closing remarks of the My Best Me Obesity Awareness Campaign here today.

He said the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey revealed that 54.4 per cent of Malaysian adults were overweight or obese, marking a 22 per cent increase since 2011.

“People living with obesity face much higher risks of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and cancer-conditions that collectively account for over 70 per cent of deaths in Malaysia.

“Beyond the human toll, the economic impact is immense, costing the nation more than RM64 billion annually through healthcare spending, productivity losses and premature mortality,” he said.

Dzulkefly stressed the need to end the stigma surrounding obesity, adding that those affected are often unfairly judged as lacking willpower instead of being recognised as facing a genuine health condition.

“The narrative on obesity must shift from blame to understanding and from judgement to support, to ensure those affected receive accurate information, timely care and compassion,” he said.

According to Dzulkefly, the Health Ministry is introducing integrated clinical obesity management at the primary healthcare level, beginning with 10 health clinics and expanding in phases. The initiative will be supported by structured referral pathways, multidisciplinary teams and trained personnel.

“For many years, our efforts have focused primarily on non-pharmacological approaches such as promoting healthy diets, encouraging physical activity and strengthening behavioural support.

“While these remain essential, we are now shifting towards a more integrated approach which also includes pharmacological treatment and, where appropriate, surgical options to effectively manage obesity as a chronic condition,” he said.

He added that combating obesity requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society effort, with non-governmental organisations, academia, industry and communities playing vital roles.

-- BERNAMA