Health Ministry: 54.4% Of Malaysian Adults Are Either Overweight Or Obese
The ministry warned that obesity is a risk factor for diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart disease.
By May Vin Ang — 06 Jun 2024, 04:48 PM
The Health Ministry has revealed that over half of all Malaysian adults are either overweight or obese
Citing statistics from the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), the ministry found that a worrying 54.4% of Malaysian adults have an unhealthy Body Mass Index (BMI).
According to the New Straits Times, this figure of overweight Malaysians marks a 10% increase from 44.5% in 2011.
The ministry warned that obesity is a risk factor for diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart disease.
It urged Malaysians to prioritise healthy eating, engage in regular physical activity, and avoid cigarettes and alcohol.
The four-yearly NHMS gathers statistics and insights on non-communicable diseases, their risk factors, and their impact on healthcare demand in Malaysia
Last year, it surveyed over 13,616 Malaysians across all age groups.
Worryingly, the 2023 NHMS found that the three major non-communicable diseases — diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol — in Malaysia are also on the rise.
The survey found that 15.6% of adults in Malaysia have diabetes, 29.2% have high blood pressure, and 33.3% have high cholesterol.
The survey found that this is probably because Malaysians do not lead a healthy lifestyle
One in two Malaysian adults are reported to lead sedentary lifestyles.
The survey also found that 84% of Malaysians are not active in sports and fitness, and do not engage in regular walking activity.
Meanwhile, only 4.9% of adults consume the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables.
