Obesity represents critical public health crisis
He said 32.6% of the population is overweight, while 21.8% suffers from obesity, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023.
This places Malaysia among Southeast Asian countries with the highest prevalence of obesity among adults.
The rise of childhood obesity is also a cause for concern as it is a significant risk factor for developing chronic diseases in adulthood.
The NHMS 2023 reports that approximately one in three children aged between 13 and 17 are affected by overweight or obesity issues.
'Obesity and diabetes are not just individual health concerns, they are a national challenge that requires a united effort,' said Dzulkefly.
The three areas with the highest rates of overweight people are Kuala Lumpur (40.6%), Putrajaya (35.5%) and Labuan (34.8%) while those with the lowest rates are Sarawak (29.7%), Kelantan (28.2%) and Perlis (27%).
The three areas with the highest rates of obesity include Perlis (32.8%), Negeri Sembilan (28.9%) and Putrajaya (25.8%) while the three with the lowest rates are Sabah (19.5%), Selangor (19.1%) and Kuala Lumpur (18.2%).
A total of 15.6% of Malaysians suffer from diabetes, with the highest rates being in Perak (21.7%), Pahang (21.5%) and Perlis (20.6%).
Those suffering form hypertension total 29.2%, with Perak being the state with the highest rate (40.2%), followed by Sarawak (39.9%) and Perlis (39.1%).
As for hypercholesterolaemia, 33.3% of Malaysians suffer from it, with Perak accounting for the highest rate (41.3%), followed by Perlis (41.0%) and Sarawak (38.9%).
To address the alarming rates of obesity and Type 2 diabetes, Reset Health, in collaboration with the Health Ministry and the National Cancer Society Malaysia, launched Roczen Universal Malaysia, a free digital health programme.
The programme, launched yesterday by Dzulkefly at the Rail & River Event Space in Batu Caves, is a digital health platform designed to help individuals manage their weight and blood sugar levels.
It is offered free of charge to all Malaysians for up to one year per person.
Anyone can join via the Roczen Universal website as a self-directed participant and follow the health educational materials.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
39 minutes ago
- The Sun
Malaysia to expand healthcare with 81 wellness hubs by 2033
KUALA LANGAT: The Ministry of Health (MOH) aims to establish 81 Wellness Hubs across Malaysia to enhance the national healthcare system. Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that 33 hubs are already operational in urban and rural areas. He stated that the remaining 48 hubs will be completed by 2033 to further support community health. 'Wellness Hubs are the cornerstone of healthcare, offering vital support for people's health in both urban and rural areas,' he said during the Kuala Langat Wellness Hub opening. Since 2020, these hubs have benefited over 1.48 million Malaysians with measurable health improvements. Data shows 75 per cent of participants achieved weight loss, while 74 per cent improved their physical fitness. Additionally, 54 per cent successfully quit smoking through the programme. 'These hubs drive real lifestyle changes, proving they are more than just service centres,' Dr Dzulkefly added. Selangor currently has three operational hubs in Hulu Langat, Sabak Bernam, and Kuala Langat. A new facility in Kuala Selangor is set to launch later this year. Formerly called Community Health Promotion Centres, the hubs now focus on behaviour change and sustainable healthy living. MOH also signed a cooperation agreement with the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) for joint wellness initiatives. The partnership includes health activities at fire academies and stations nationwide. - Bernama
Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
MOH targets 81 Wellness Hubs by 2033 to boost healthcare access nationwide, says Dzulkefly
KUALA LANGAT, Aug 17 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) has set a goal to establish 81 Wellness Hubs across Malaysia, aiming to strengthen the national healthcare ecosystem, said Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad. Dzulkefly highlighted that 33 Wellness Hubs have already been established in both urban and rural areas, with the remaining 48 hubs expected to be completed by 2033. 'While hospitals and clinics play a crucial role, I regard Wellness Hubs as the cornerstone of healthcare, particularly in urban and rural areas, offering substantial support for people's health,' he said at the opening of the Kuala Langat Wellness Hub here. Since their inception in 2020, Wellness Hubs across the country have benefited over 1.48 million Malaysians. Notably, 75 per cent of participants successfully lost weight, 74 per cent improved their physical fitness, and 54 per cent quit smoking. 'This clearly shows that Wellness Hubs are not merely service centres, they are driving positive lifestyle changes within the community,' Dzulkefly added. Currently, three Wellness Hubs are operational in Selangor, located in Hulu Langat, Sabak Bernam, and Kuala Langat. Dzulkefly also announced that a new facility will be launched in Kuala Selangor later this year. The Wellness Hubs, formerly known as Community Health Promotion Centres, have been upgraded into community centres that offer health and wellness services, focusing on behavior change and promoting consistent, sustainable healthy lifestyles. The event also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between MOH and the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), outlining collaborative health and wellness initiatives, including activities at the Fire and Rescue Academy and fire stations nationwide. — Bernama
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
MOH Aims To Boost Healthcare Ecosystem With 81 Wellness Hubs
KUALA LANGAT, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Health (MOH) has set a goal to establish 81 Wellness Hubs across Malaysia, aiming to strengthen the national healthcare ecosystem, said Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. Dr Dzulkefly highlighted that 33 Wellness Hubs have already been established in both urban and rural areas, with the remaining 48 hubs expected to be completed by 2033. 'While hospitals and clinics play a crucial role, I regard Wellness Hubs as the cornerstone of healthcare, particularly in urban and rural areas, offering substantial support for people's health,' he said at the opening of the Kuala Langat Wellness Hub here. Since their inception in 2020, Wellness Hubs across the country have benefited over 1.48 million Malaysians. Notably, 75 per cent of participants successfully lost weight, 74 per cent improved their physical fitness, and 54 per cent quit smoking. 'This clearly shows that Wellness Hubs are not merely service centres, they are driving positive lifestyle changes within the community,' Dr Dzulkefly added. Currently, three Wellness Hubs are operational in Selangor, located in Hulu Langat, Sabak Bernam, and Kuala Langat. Dr Dzulkefly also announced that a new facility will be launched in Kuala Selangor later this year. The Wellness Hubs, formerly known as Community Health Promotion Centres, have been upgraded into community centres that offer health and wellness services, focusing on behavior change and promoting consistent, sustainable healthy lifestyles. The event also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between MOH and the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), outlining collaborative health and wellness initiatives, including activities at the Fire and Rescue Academy and fire stations nationwide.
