KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 12 — Experts have warned Malaysians that overweight and obesity are not harmless lifestyle conditions, as these chronic diseases are linked to diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer.
However, they also stress that obesity is reversible and treatable, which subsequently leads to prevention of obesity-related complications.
“Overweight and obesity is a chronic, debilitating progressive disease with multiple long-term complications, similar to all other NCDs. It is NOT a harmless lifestyle condition,” MYOS president Prof Dr Rohana Abdul Ghani told CodeBlue.
“And it is also a precursor or risk factor for many other more serious diseases including diabetes, heart disease, cancer etc.,” added the consultant endocrinologist at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, overweight or obesity adult prevalence was up by 10 percentage points to 54.4 per cent in 2023 from 44.5 per cent in 2011.
To combat this alarming trend, MYOS advocates for a shift in how Malaysians approach their diets and lifestyle choices, adding that it is essential for individuals to recognise the seriousness of obesity and its implications for long-term health.
Dietary Choices And Community Involvement
MYOS addressed the challenge of maintaining a healthy diet amidst financial constraints and a busy schedule.
“It is a matter of choice on choosing a moderate amount of food i.e. a balanced amount of carbohydrate, protein, fat and fibre. This would also include avoiding high calorie-dense, processed food, sweetened beverages etc,” Dr Rohana said.
For those who work long hours or multiple jobs, MYOS acknowledged that preparing meals at home can be time-consuming, but noted that good food choices can still be made outside.
“Malaysians who are eating out can also make informed and wise choices on selecting ‘healthy’ food as mentioned above. Although preparing one’s own food is better, everyone can make good choices in selecting ‘appropriate’ food outside,” said Dr Rohana, suggesting options like half a portion of rice, dishes only, or extra vegetables.
To further encourage healthier lifestyles, MYOS called for community-led campaigns reiterating the message that obesity is a disease, but that this illness results partly from some poor behavioural and lifestyle choices that are further aggravated by social patterns.
“This involves everyone from all aspects. Parents need to be more active in monitoring their children’s health including their BMIs and physical activities, bosses need to be involved in their employees’ wellbeing (monitoring sick days) and family members need to be supportive of persons with obesity (PwO),” said Dr Rohana.
“Therefore, there should be more obesity-related campaigns, which should be consistent and continuous, as this is a long-term endeavour and never a short-term stint or publicity stunt.”
Managing obesity, according to Dr Rohana, involves a multi-dimensional approach, citing healthy food, physical activity, and avoiding risk factors (for example, smoking, pollutants, stress).
“In addition, genetic factors (i.e. familial aspects) also contribute to increased risk. Those with these high risks need to seek medical advice from their doctors to minimise these risks, including with medications like statin, lowering of blood pressure, sugar level etc.
“With regard to the diet, people at risk should avoid high-fat, highly processed food, with increased consumption of nutritious food with high anti-oxidant, vitamins and minerals contents.”
Cardiologist: Rethink How We Approach Weight Loss And Healthy Living
Dr Beni Isman Rusani, a consultant cardiologist at Damansara Specialist Hospital 2, said Malaysians need to rethink the way they approach weight loss and healthy living.
“The link between excess weight and diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease must be highlighted, starting from schools,” Dr Beni told CodeBlue.
“Public health campaigns should focus on small, achievable changes rather than drastic diets. For instance, walking 10 minutes after meals or swapping sugary drinks for water can make a big difference.
“Employers can support this by promoting wellness programmes or offering healthier food options in canteens. Finally, local councils could create more safe spaces for walking or cycling, encouraging people to be active without needing gym memberships.”
Dr Beni also addressed dietary choices by emphasising simplicity in meal preparation.
“Cooking doesn’t have to be elaborate — simple dishes like roasted, steamed fish, and vegetables are both nutritious and affordable. Local produce such as kangkung or ulam should be promoted as cost-effective alternatives to expensive imported greens,” he said.
“For those with time constraints, pre-prepped healthy meal options, such as cut fruits or packed salads, could be subsidised or incentivised in supermarkets. Employers could also play a role by providing microwave stations and encouraging home-packed lunches over fast food.”
When discussing heart disease prevention, Dr Beni emphasised balance and moderation in dietary habits. He recommended increasing the consumption of high-fiber foods like oats, legumes, and fruits to help lower cholesterol levels.
Additionally, he advised replacing saturated fats from fried or processed foods with healthy fats found in fish, nuts, and olive oil.
“Limit your intake of sugary and salty snacks, as they contribute to obesity and hypertension. Avoid trans fats completely — read food labels carefully. A good rule of thumb: the closer a food is to its natural state, the better it is for your heart.
Tax Fast Food; Subsidise Fruits, Vegetables, Whole Grains
To alleviate the burden on Malaysia’s health care system caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), both MYOS and Dr Beni proposed several public policy measures. They advocated for stronger policies aimed at the root causes of NCDs.
Dr Beni suggested taxing unhealthy foods, like fast food or snacks high in sugar and salt, while increasing subsidies for healthier options like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
He believes workplaces should offer financial incentives for employees who meet fitness or health benchmarks.
“Most importantly, urban planning must prioritise walkable cities with accessible parks, sidewalks, and cycling lanes. The War on Sugar and similar campaigns must go beyond awareness and address structural barriers, like ensuring healthy choices are the easiest and most affordable for all Malaysians,” Dr Beni said.
Herbalife’s Meal Replacement Products Offer Convenient, Cost-Effective Solutions
Steven Chin, senior director and general manager of Herbalife Malaysia and Singapore, acknowledged difficulties in eating well consistently or obtaining one’s nutrients from food alone, given hectic lifestyles.
Citing Herbalife Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training senior director Susan Bowerman, Chin said that even with a healthy diet, many people can benefit from the nutritional boost that supplements can provide.
“Supplements can play a crucial role in filling in the gaps, particularly for nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, fibre and Vitamins A, C, D and E. And for those looking for meal replacement products can consider Herbalife products as an affordable alternative,” Chin told CodeBlue.
“Our scientifically-backed meal replacement products are thoughtfully designed to meet daily nutritional needs, offering a convenient and cost-effective solution for maintaining a balanced and healthy diet.”
He added that nutrition education programmes can empower individuals with the knowledge to make healthier food choices.
“When people understand the impact of their diet on their overall health, they are more likely to adopt habits that prevent NCDs like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension,” Chin said.
Partnerships To Promote Nutrition, Community-Based Programmes For Active Lifestyles
As the #1 weight management and well-being brand in the world1, Herbalife has a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) on nutrition expertise, sports science, and food development among UiTM students and academics, such as health talks. (1. Source: Euromonitor; CH2024ed, weight management & wellbeing definition; combined % RSP share GBO for 2023.)
Herbalife also has an on-going partnership with the Nutrition Society of Malaysia (NSM) to host workshops, seminars, and training for nutritionists or dietitians.
“Our doctors, trainers, dietitians and advisory board members include more than 300 internationally recognised experts and key opinion leaders. With specialisations in nutrition, fitness and public health,” Chin said.
Herbalife also supports good nutrition for children. Globally, the Herbalife Family Foundation (HFF) works with 164 nonprofit organisations across 59 countries and territories (five in Malaysia) via its Casa Herbalife Programme, a global initiative by HFF that collaborates with community organisations to provide nutritious meals, educational resources, and safe environments for children and underserved communities.
Chin described community-based health initiatives as another “powerful tool”.
“These programmes can encourage people to stay active, manage their weight, and address common health concerns. For example, organising fitness challenges or health workshops can inspire individuals to take small but impactful steps toward healthier living.”
Herbalife collaborated with the Ministry of Youth and Sports for Hari Sukan Negara 2024 by offering wellness assessments at its booth.
“The key to sustaining our health care system and improving quality of life for everyone truly requires a collective approach. This is why at Herbalife, we have built a community where people can lean on each other for support and motivation in their journey toward better health,” Chin said.
“This sense of community is incredibly powerful as it helps individuals stay committed to their goals.”
