Latest news with #NHMS
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
SpaceGut Marks World Microbiome Day with Science-Backed Solution for Malaysia's Obesity Issue
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of World Microbiome Day, SpaceGut, a Malaysia-based health tech company, introduces a scientific and personalised approach to one of the country's most pressing health concerns, obesity. Through its Gut Microbiome Test Kit and AI-powered personalised meal plan, SpaceGut aims to address the root microbial imbalances that contribute to excessive weight gain and metabolic disorders. Obesity in Malaysia has become an increasingly serious public health concern. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, the proportion of overweight and obese individuals has surged from 44.5% in 2011 to 54.4% in 2023. Classified by the World Health Organization as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above, obesity is a complex metabolic condition influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Emerging research highlights a significant connection between obesity and imbalances in the gut microbiota, with people living with obesity often exhibiting lower bacterial diversity, higher concentrations of energy-harvesting microbes, and persistent low-grade inflammation. The SpaceGut Approach: Targeting Obesity at the Microbial Level SpaceGut combines cutting-edge science with practical application, starting with a comprehensive at-home stool test that profiles the user's gut microbiome in detail. This test identifies thousands of microbial species that influence key metabolic processes such as calorie extraction, insulin sensitivity, and inflammatory responses. The results are then processed through SpaceGut's next-generation sequencing AI technology to map the gut microbiota and use a proprietary bioinformatics database of over 50,000 samples. Based on this analysis, users receive a fully customised nutrition plan that scores over 300 foods and beverages across more than 10 categories, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, meats, seafood, and carbohydrates. Each score reflects how a specific food interacts with the user's unique microbial ecosystem, either by promoting beneficial bacteria or suppressing harmful strains. According to SpaceGut's user data, individuals classified as overweight experienced an average weight loss of 7.2 kg within just six weeks of following the AI-personalised dietary plan based on the patient's microbiome test results. By aligning nutritional recommendations with each person's gut bacteria composition, the program significantly improved hunger regulation and reduced cravings. These outcomes are likely linked to enhanced gut-brain signalling and a more balanced production of key appetite-related hormones such as leptin and ghrelin. "People with obesity often carry microbial patterns that work against their health goals. By helping them understand their microbiome and equipping them with practical, personalised food strategies, we enable sustainable weight management starting from within," remarked Datuk Tony Wong, Founder of SpaceGut. To learn more about SpaceGut's gut microbiome test and personalised nutrition programme, visit About SpaceGut SpaceGut is a pioneering healthtech company focused on transforming wellness through gut microbiome intelligence. Its flagship offering, the SpaceGut Microbiome Test, combines advanced laboratory diagnostics with proprietary, clinically validated AI to deliver personalised insights into digestive health and overall well-being. By decoding the gut microbiome, SpaceGut empowers individuals to make data-driven lifestyle and nutrition decisions that support improved digestion, immunity, mood, and long-term wellness. Backed by science and technology, SpaceGut is on a mission to make gut health accessible, personalised, and actionable. SpaceGut is expanding its ecosystem to include personalised supplement plans, expert-backed wellness guidance, and integrated nutritionist support to optimise health from the inside out. To learn more, visit or follow @space_gut on Instagram. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE SpaceGut Sign in to access your portfolio
The Sun
7 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Government urged to ban drug-laced vape products in Malaysia
KUCHING: The federal government has been urged to introduce strict laws prohibiting vape products laced with illegal substances like synthetic drugs. Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah highlighted the growing misuse of vape, particularly among young people, as a serious public health issue. 'Vape was initially promoted as a safer alternative to smoking, but it has now been exploited for drug abuse and addiction,' he said. Abdul Karim, who also leads the Sarawak chapter of the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam), stressed the need for urgent legal action following a State Drug Eradication Action Council (MTMD) meeting. He suggested that authorities consider either a complete ban on vape or restrict it to nicotine-based products, similar to regulated tobacco items. 'A blanket ban may not be practical since some users consume vape responsibly. However, if it involves illegal substances like 'magic mushrooms' or synthetic drugs, strict laws must be enforced,' he added. The 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) revealed that Sarawak has the highest vape usage rate among Malaysian teens aged 13 to 17, with 20.3% prevalence, affecting an estimated 39,608 individuals. - Bernama
New Straits Times
16-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
VitaHealth, Tropicana expand OFFLINE 16 to champion mental wellness in Malaysia
PETALING JAYA: Tropicana Corp Bhd and VitaHealth Malaysia have expanded OFFLINE 16, a wellness movement designed to promote preventive mental well-being through real-world experiences that encourage Malaysians to unplug, reconnect, and build healthier habits. Ixora Ang, managing director of sales, marketing and business development at Tropicana, said: "Our mission is to create sustainable, liveable townships that truly support the people who call them home. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) isn't just about the environment and governance; it is about the people too. OFFLINE 16 shows how this vision goes beyond buildings; it's about giving everyone a chance to unplug, reconnect, and care for their wellbeing together." Ang said Tropicana is proud to champion this wellness movement with VitaHealth, Tropicana Foundation and event sponsor TGCR. Mental health is an increasingly pressing issue in Malaysia, with nearly one million adults – about 4.6 per cent of the population – living with depression, almost double the figure recorded in 2019. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, one in six children also face mental health challenges. The rise in digital dependency is compounding this crisis, as excessive screen time is increasingly linked to anxiety, depression and social isolation. Despite growing awareness, access to mental health support remains limited. The WHO World Mental Health Surveys indicate that up to 78 per cent of people in upper-middle-income countries still do not receive the mental health care they need. Dr KS Beh, chief executive officer of VitaHealth (Malaysia & Singapore) and founder of OFFLINE 16, said the idea stemmed from witnessing how screen time was consuming people's lives. "The idea to go offline came to me when I noticed how screen time was taking over people's lives, leaving them disconnected and mentally drained. That sparked the birth of OFFLINE 16, a movement inviting people to unplug and reconnect meaningfully while building a happier community." Since its launch in 2024, OFFLINE 16 has steadily gained momentum. The inaugural edition attracted more than 300 participants. To date, the movement has clocked 30 offline hours across five editions, engaging participants through various themed activities that combine physical, mental and social wellness for this year's OFFLINE 16. The 2025 rollout began in May with a pickleball challenge in Penang that attracted 200 participants, followed by a matures's retreat at FRIM, Kepong, and a beach cleanup in Sabah, which together engaged another 300 participants. The main event will take place on August 16 at Tropicana Golf & Country Resort (TGCR) and is expected to be the largest edition yet. Highlights include a pickleball session with VitaHealth ambassadors, Olympian Pearly Tan and Malaysia's top pickleball player Colin Wong, along with interactive games, wellness workshops, live jazz performances, recycling activities, DIY arts and crafts, health screenings, mental wellness games, and a relaxation zone complete with reading nooks and massage chairs. The final retreat for 2025 will be hosted in October and will focus on providing a restful resort experience, featuring activities that encourage participants to pause and recharge. All participants will receive exclusive wellness packs worth over RM300 and stand a chance to win lucky draw prizes worth up to RM15,000. OFFLINE 16 is supported by Tropicana Foundation and event sponsor TGCR, with Big Caring Group also lending its support. Big Caring Group's chief marketing officer, Wong Siew Lai, believes that health should encompass not only medication but also mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. With over 500 participants already engaged this year, VitaHealth and Tropicana are well on track to meet their target of 1,200.
Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Rise in vaping among youth an alarming trend, says Malaysia's Health Ministry
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Malaysia's Health Ministry has implemented interventions, including youth education and enforcement measures, to curb smoking and vaping habits. KULAI, Johor - While Malaysia has made progress in reducing adult smoking rates, the rise in vaping is an alarming trend, says Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni. He cited findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) showing that the adult smoking rate dropped from 22.4 per cent in 2019 to 19.8 per cent in 2023. 'However, vape use increased from 4.9 per cent to 5.1 per cent over the same period. Even more concerning is the growing number of children, or underage persons, taking up electronic smoking products. 'This is not just a health issue but a social one,' he said in his speech during the state-level World No Tobacco Day and World Tuberculosis Day held on July 12. Mr Lukanisman urged parents to take a more active role in monitoring their children, warning that early exposure to nicotine could lead to long-term organ damage and other behavioural problems. He added the ministry has taken a firm stance by implementing comprehensive interventions, including youth education and enforcement measures, to curb smoking and vaping habits. Mr Lukanisman said one initiative is the Walkabout Premis Bersih, Bebas Asap (BeBAs) programme, which encourages food premises to maintain cleanliness and enforce smoke-free zones, especially in restaurants and hawker areas. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia Air India crash report shows pilot confusion over engine switch movement Singapore More NSFs may be recruited to tackle scams: Police Business F&B operators face tougher business landscape amid rising costs and stiff competition Multimedia Which floor is this? Chongqing's maze-like environment powers its rise as a megacity Life SG60 F&B icons: 20 dishes and drinks which have shaped Singaporeans' taste buds Life At 79, she can do 100 pull-ups: Why more seniors are hitting the gym Life The rise of Tupai King, the rage of weather: How durian season is changing Life Hear Me Out: What I wish my parents knew before I was diagnosed with ADHD 'BeBAs is a multi-agency effort involving government bodies, NGOs, professional organisations, and corporate partners. It aims to drive public understanding and compliance with smoke-free regulations. 'The ministry has also partnered with the Education Ministry to launch the Kotak (Oral Health Without Smoking) programme in schools, working alongside groups like the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), and Malaysian Anti-Drug Association (Pemadam),' he added. Mr Lukanisman also said to further bolster enforcement, the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) officially came into force on 1 October last year. 'This law gives us broader authority to regulate not only tobacco but also vaping products. 'Through Ops Cakna under this Act, we are sending a clear message that the government is serious about protecting public health, especially school children, from the harmful effects of smoking and vaping,' he added. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
The Star
12-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Rise in vaping among youth an alarming trend, says Health Ministry
KULAI: While Malaysia has made progress in reducing adult smoking rates, the rise in vaping is an alarming trend, says Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni. He cited findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) showing that the adult smoking rate dropped from 22.4% in 2019 to 19.8% in 2023. 'However, vape use increased from 4.9% to 5.1% over the same period. Even more concerning is the growing number of children, or underage persons, taking up electronic smoking products. 'This is not just a health issue but a social one,' he said in his speech during the state-level World No Tobacco Day and World Tuberculosis Day held on Saturday (July 12). Lukanisman urged parents to take a more active role in monitoring their children, warning that early exposure to nicotine could lead to long-term organ damage and other behavioural problems. He added the ministry has taken a firm stance by implementing comprehensive interventions, including youth education and enforcement measures, to curb smoking and vaping habits. Lukanisman said one initiative is the Walkabout Premis Bersih, Bebas Asap (BeBAs) programme, which encourages food premises to maintain cleanliness and enforce smoke-free zones, especially in restaurants and hawker areas. 'BeBAs is a multi-agency effort involving government bodies, NGOs, professional organisations, and corporate partners. It aims to drive public understanding and compliance with smoke-free regulations. 'The ministry has also partnered with the Education Ministry to launch the Kotak (Oral Health Without Smoking) programme in schools, working alongside groups like the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), and Malaysian Anti-Drug Association (Pemadam),' he added. Lukanisman also said to further bolster enforcement, the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) officially came into force on 1 October last year. 'This law gives us broader authority to regulate not only tobacco but also vaping products. 'Through Ops Cakna under this Act, we are sending a clear message that the government is serious about protecting public health, especially school children, from the harmful effects of smoking and vaping,' he added.
