KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 — A survey shows that the Covid-19 pandemic changed the health priorities of Malaysians, with 75 per cent now focusing on holistic health and active lifestyles.
Herbalife’s APAC Health Priority PR Report 2023, about six in 10 Malaysians are focused on improving their overall health, 52 per cent are working to build healthier eating habits, and half are striving to become physically fitter and improve their mental health.
“Many Malaysians are becoming more health-conscious; we need to build on this momentum,” Steven Chin, senior director and general manager of Herbalife Malaysia and Singapore, told CodeBlue recently.
“This shift shows that people are increasingly aware of the importance of maintaining overall well-being, not just physical health but also mental and emotional health.”
According to Herbalife’s survey, a remarkable 75 per cent of Malaysians say they’re willing to spend more on health and wellness, with the main motivation being to maintain long-term health.
Most are looking to increase their spending by 1 per cent to 10 per cent. Interestingly, Gen X and Boomers are more inclined to spend up to 10 per cent, compared to Gen Z and Millennials.
Malaysian respondents’ top spending priorities include making healthier food choices (61 per cent), purchasing and consuming vitamins and supplements (56 per cent), and going for regular health check-ups (46 per cent).
“For many, the hesitation to invest more in health and wellness stems from financial constraints. However, being healthy and eating nutritious food does not always have to be expensive. There are practical and cost-effective ways to make healthier choices,” Chin said.
“For instance, cooking at home as often as possible can make a big difference as home-cooked meals are often cheaper and much more nutritious than fast food. Instead of reaching for sugary snacks or drinks, people can turn to fruits that contain natural sugars or even incorporate meal replacement shakes. These options are not only healthier but also help maintain energy levels throughout the day.”
As a global health and wellness community, Herbalife aims to play its part in educating Malaysians and supporting their journey toward healthier living.
“We believe that by raising awareness and providing resources, we can help more people overcome financial barriers and prioritise their health in sustainable and practical ways.”
Malaysians Already Aware Of What Healthy Food Is
Herbalife’s 2023 survey found that Malaysians are already aware of what healthy food is. Most commonly, healthy food is defined as being good for their health, nutritious, and low in sugar.
Their top motivators for eating more healthily include wanting to protect their long-term health and prevent future health conditions (56 per cent), better managing an existing health condition (49 per cent), and wanting to feel better and have more energy (61 per cent).
Chin stressed the importance of regular health check-ups and wellness assessments.
“When people understand their current health status, it gives them a clearer picture of where they stand and what adjustments they need to make.”
Herbalife provides free wellness evaluations as part of its community programmes.
“In addition to education, we found that community-driven initiatives are a powerful way to inspire action,” said Chin, citing Herbalife’s “Burn 1 Million Calories” campaign and a Herbalife Virtual Run.
“During the ‘Burn 1 Million Calories’ campaign alone, over 5,000 Malaysians participated, collectively burning an impressive two million calories! This showcases the incredible power of community and how incentivised participation can drive healthier habits.”
Herbalife’s survey was conducted in 11 countries in the Asia Pacific region, including more than 500 respondents from Malaysia.
Shift Mindset From Relying On Affordable Health Care To Staying Healthy In The First Place
Ministry of Health (MOH) deputy secretary-general (finance) Norazman Ayob told a conference last October that the public health care system was reaching an end of capacity because there are too many sick Malaysians with non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
“Shifting the mindset from relying on affordable health care when people fall sick to focusing on staying healthy in the first place really comes down to understanding the value of preventive health care,” Chin told CodeBlue.
“Preventive health care is all about taking steps to maintain your health. This includes eating well, staying active, and managing stress so you can avoid serious health problems down the line.
“One big advantage of preventive health care is early detection. For example, regular check-ups and tests can catch potential health issues early when they are easier to treat and the chances of success are much higher.
“But perhaps the most important reason to prioritise prevention is quality of life. When you are healthy, you can live life to the fullest, without limitations or restrictions caused by illness. That’s what really motivates people when they understand how much better they can feel and function by making small, consistent changes today.”
Get Healthier In A Fun Way By Joining A Herbalife Community
Chin encouraged Malaysians to seek out a Herbalife community or other communities on healthy activities so that getting healthier becomes more fun and accountable.
“Community-based health initiatives are 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,” he told CodeBlue.
“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.”
“This sense of community is incredibly powerful as it helps individuals stay committed to their goals.”
Chin cited various public awareness campaigns in other countries that were able to encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles.
“In Singapore, the ‘Healthier Choice Symbol’ campaign has been very effective. By clearly labelling products that meet specific nutritional criteria, it helps consumers make healthier food choices at a glance,” said Chin.
“Similarly, Japan’s ‘Health Japan 21’ initiative has promoted better eating habits and physical activity through community programmes and workplace wellness incentives.
“Here in Malaysia, we are pleased to see the Ministry of Health’s commitment to promoting healthier living through initiatives like the ‘Healthy Choice’ recognition for companies that reduce sugar content in their products. This aligns with the ministry’s ‘War on Sugar’ campaign, which is crucial given that excessive sugar intake is a leading contributor to weight gain, obesity, and diabetes.”
Chin stressed that ultimately, good health starts at home.
“Herbalife strives to promote a Healthy Kitchen Healthy Family idea to Malaysians and looks to continue providing access to nutrition education and products to support the family’s health goals.”
