Shifting the narrative: Dzulkefly (fourth, left) posing for a group photo at the launch of the ‘My Best Me’ national obesity awareness campaign. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: About 30.9% of 1.2 million adult Malaysians screened this year were found to be obese.
Another 30.8% were overweight, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Citing the National Health Screening Initiative (NHSI), which was conducted nationwide till last month, he said that more than 254,000 Malaysians have been identified as obese.
“Obesity has become one of the most pressing public health challenges in Malaysia,” he said.
He said the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey revealed that 54.4% of Malaysian adults were 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 in his keynote speech at the launch of a national obesity awareness campaign, “My Best Me” here yesterday.
The latest figures would mean that 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 found overweight or obese.
Dzulkefly said that people living with obesity face a much higher risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and cancer.
These conditions together account for over 70% of all deaths in the country, he said.
“Beyond the human toll, the economic impact is immense, costing the nation more than RM64bil annually through healthcare spending, productivity losses and premature mortality,” he said.
Dzulkefly highlighted the need for early detection and intervention which are critical for those with the condition, as this would reduce the risk of chronic disease besides lowering long-term healthcare costs.
Early detection and prevention from obesity, he said, would enable changes in the trajectory of this public health challenge.
Noting that obesity is often stigmatised, Dzulkefly pointed out the need to shift the narrative from blame to understanding, and from judgement to support.
This would ensure that those affected receive accurate information, timely care and compassion, he said.
“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 years, Dzulkefly said efforts 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, Dzulkefly said the ministry is establishing 10 health clinics with integrated clinical obesity management at the primary healthcare level with plans to expand 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.
Dzulkefly reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling obesity as a national priority.
“By working together between the 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.”
