Less Invasive, More Effective: A Safer Route to Weight Loss
Obesity is one of the most pressing health issues of the 21st century, affecting millions worldwide. Far beyond cosmetic concerns, obesity significantly increases the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart conditions, and certain types of cancer.
It is a complex condition shaped by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. In Malaysia, high-calorie, carbohydrate-rich diets and large portion sizes are significant contributors. Sedentary routines, long working hours, and limited access to exercise facilities further compound the issue.
Cultural practices, where food plays a central role in social gatherings, often lead to overeating. Psychological factors such as emotional eating, stress, and poor sleep are important but frequently overlooked causes.
Dr Sattian Kollanthavelu, Consultant Physician, Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Mawar Medical Centre, Seremban, and a Physician with the Ministry of Health Malaysia, highlights the seriousness of the issue.
'Obesity is not merely a lifestyle issue; it is a medical condition that requires effective and sustainable interventions. The conventional approach of diet and exercise is often inadequate for individuals with severe obesity or metabolic disorders,' he explains.
The ESG Milestone
One innovative solution gaining ground is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG). It is a a minimally invasive weight-loss procedure that reduces the size of the stomach using an endoscopic suturing device. ESG has been recognised for its ability to promote significant weight loss and improve related health conditions without resorting to traditional surgery.
In a major milestone for Negeri Sembilan, Mawar Medical Centre has become the first hospital in the state to offer ESG. The procedure requires only a one-night hospital stay, and most patients can return to work within three days.
'Performing five ESG cases in one day showed how efficient the procedure is as a day-care treatment, allowing patients to experience a quick recovery,' says Dr Sattian. 'It also highlights that Mawar is at the forefront in offering cutting-edge treatment options and minimally invasive solutions for chronic conditions like obesity.'
Qualifications and Effects to Expect from ESG
Not everyone is suited to ESG, but it offers a viable solution for many. ESG is best suited for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 28 or above who consume large food portions but do not have binge eating or emotional eating disorders.
The procedure is recommended for adults aged 18 to 65 seeking a non-surgical, scar-free solution with minimal downtime. To ensure suitability, a patient undergoes a comprehensive assessment of their medical history, metabolic profile, and psychological readiness. ESG is not simply about reducing stomach size; it is designed to support a lasting lifestyle change.
Patients undergoing ESG can expect to lose around 15–20% of their total body weight in the first year. 'If a patient weighs 100 kg, they can anticipate a weight loss of 15–20 kg within 12 months,' says Dr Sattian.
Beyond the numbers, ESG has demonstrated benefits in improving metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, and fatty liver disease. Many patients also report psychological gains, including improved self-esteem, greater mobility, and a renewed sense of control over their health.
Future of ESG
However, ESG is just the beginning. Long-term success depends on a patient's commitment to change. This includes slowly transitioning from liquids to solids, adopting smaller, protein-rich meals, and practising mindful eating to avoid discomfort or overeating. Proper hydration and light physical activity, such as walking or yoga, can also support recovery and long-term weight maintenance.
Emotional and behavioural support is essential; Dr Sattian advocates a team-based approach, working with psychiatrists, dietitians, and endocrinologists to develop personalised care plans. As the field of endoscopic weight-loss treatments continues to grow, ESG is emerging as a powerful alternative to traditional bariatric surgery.
'ESG is a tool, not a cure. Patients who stay committed, attend regular follow-ups, and surround themselves with the right support tend to succeed not just in losing weight but in improving sleep, energy levels, joint pain, and overall well-being,' concludes Dr Sattian. Related
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MAY 30 — In the race to appear green, are Malaysian companies saying too much or not enough? Sustainability is no longer a voluntary aspiration. It has become a business necessity. As climate risks, social inequalities and governance failures dominate global markets, companies face increasing pressure to show both performance and purpose. In this context, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting has emerged as a foundation of corporate transparency and investor trust. Yet, ESG's rise has also given way to two concerning practices that weaken disclosure integrity. Greenwashing refers to overstated or misleading claims about sustainability efforts, while greenhushing involves withholding genuine ESG progress to avoid external criticism. Both distort market signals, reduce ESG data credibility and impede informed decision-making. 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By reducing ambiguity, promoting benchmarking and supporting future assurance requirements, the NSRF is expected to guide companies toward more data-driven ESG communication and improve overall reporting credibility. However, amid these regulatory shifts, greenhushing remains a quiet but significant risk that the NSRF alone may not fully resolve without complementary measures. Companies, especially in mid-sized or family-owned segments, may still avoid disclosing their sustainability progress out of concern that evolving targets or partial data may attract criticism. This silence reduces comparability across companies and hampers efforts to benchmark ESG maturity at a national level. The financial implications from these practices are real. Companies associated with greenwashing often face higher debt financing costs, especially smaller and non-state-owned enterprises. Markets are starting to penalise opacity and exaggeration. 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