Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad delivered his closing remarks at the Obesity Awareness Campaign "My Best Me" at Hilton KL Hotel. - AZMAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Over 254,000 or 30.9% of Malaysians are identified as obese, according to the National Health Screening Initiative (NHSI) this year, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The Health Minister said overweight Malaysians also recorded a similar proportion at 30.8% against more than 1.2 million people who were screened under the NHSI.
"Obesity has become one of the most pressing public health challenges in Malaysia.
The 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) revealed that 54.4% of Malaysian adults are either overweight or obese, marking a sharp and troubling rise of 22% since 2011.
"This is a wake-up call that underscores the urgent need for collective action," he said during his keynote speech at the launch of the national obesity awareness campaign, "My Best Me" at Hilton Kuala Lumpur here, on Tuesday (Sept 23).
The recent figures would mean the 2025 NHSI between January and September recorded more than 60% of Malaysians to be obese or overweight compared to the 2023 NHSI with 53.5% of Malaysians being screened as overweight or obese.
Dr Dzulkefly added that people living with obesity face a much higher risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cancer.
He said these conditions together account for over 70% of all deaths in the country.
"Beyond the human toll, the economic impact is immense, costing the nation more than RM64bil annually through healthcare spending, productivity losses, and premature mortality," the minister said.
Dr Dzulkefly highlighted the need for early detection and intervention which are critical for those with the condition, as it will reduce the risk of chronic disease and lower long-term healthcare costs.
Early detection and prevention from obesity, he said, would enable changes in the trajectory of this public health challenge.
The topic of obesity is often stigmatised, Dr Dzulkefly then highlighted the need to shift the narrative from blame to understanding, and from judgement to support, ensuring that those affected receive accurate information, timely care, and compassion.
"Addressing stigma must go hand-in-hand with building a system that supports people throughout their lives.
Our approach therefore follows a life-course perspective, ensuring interventions from childhood to older age.
"This is anchored in a comprehensive prevention framework; from policies that shape healthier environments, to lifestyle promotion, systematic screening and early detection, and structured clinical care with rehabilitation," he added.
For many years, Dr Dzulkefly said efforts have focused primarily on non-pharmacological approaches, such as promoting healthy diets, increasing 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, in line with the Clinical Practice Guidelines on Obesity 2023.
Following that, Dr Dzulkefly said the Ministry is establishing 10 health clinics with integrated clinical obesity management at the primary healthcare level with plans to expand such service in the future.
The clinics will be supported by structured referral pathways, multidisciplinary teams and trained staff.
"Tackling obesity requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society effort, with NGOs, academia, industry, and communities playing vital roles.
"Campaigns such as “My Best Me” support national efforts by raising awareness, reducing stigma, and engaging communities to empower Malaysians to take meaningful steps towards better health and to seek professional guidance without fear of stigma or judgement," he added.
Dr Dzulkefly reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackle obesity as a national priority.
"By working together—government, private sector, healthcare professionals, and the community where we can create an environment where healthier choices become easier; stigma is reduced, and support is always within reach," he said.
