Latest news with #NationalHealthandMorbiditySurvey2024
BusinessToday
6 days ago
- Health
- BusinessToday
Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre Pushes Medically Supervised Approach To Obesity
As Malaysia grapples with rising obesity rates, Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre (BTMC) is advocating a medically supervised, multidisciplinary approach to weight management, emphasising clinical screening, patient education and long-term support. Dr Nurul Nadiah Mohd Iqbal, Consultant Internal Medicine Physician, highlighted the importance of medically supervised weight management for safe and sustainable outcomes. During a media session titled 'Beyond Diets and Fads: Medical Experts Decode Sustainable, Supervised Weight Loss for Obesity Management,' BTMC highlighted how coordinated obesity care can deliver safer, sustainable outcomes, particularly for patients with chronic conditions or mobility limitations. Data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2024 showed that over half of Malaysian adults (52.1%) have abdominal obesity, a risk factor for non-communicable diseases including heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Poor dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles remain widespread, with only 5.2% of adolescents meeting daily vegetable intake recommendations. Medical supervision begins with comprehensive blood tests and physical assessments to detect underlying conditions such as hypertension, sleep apnoea, fatty liver disease, or hormonal imbalances. This allows personalised treatment plans to account for each patient's health profile, nutritional needs and physical capabilities. Ongoing monitoring also ensures medication effectiveness while reducing potential side effects and dropout rates. Dr Tamilvani Rajaretnam, Consultant Internal Medicine, emphasised the need for regular reassessments and close monitoring in medically supervised weight management. Dietary guidance focuses on mindful adjustments to familiar meals rather than imposing strict diets. Patients are educated on portion control, meal planning and label reading, enabling healthier choices without eliminating cultural or emotional food preferences. Physical activity is tailored to individual capabilities. Physiotherapists conduct personalised strength and mobility assessments using AI-assisted tools to improve joint function, posture and endurance while minimising strain. Sessions are adapted progressively, helping patients regain independence in daily activities. BTMC also showcased how AI-enabled physiotherapy tools can assist clinicians in monitoring patient progress in real time, ensuring safety and effectiveness of exercises. Patient Karthikeyen shared his weight management journey during the session, highlighting the impact of medically guided support. One patient, 37-year-old Karthikeyen, shared that the structured medical support helped him maintain consistent weight management, unlike previous attempts on his own. The centre emphasises that effective obesity care requires structure, scientific guidance and continuous support rather than relying on willpower alone. BTMC currently offers a three-month comprehensive programme incorporating medical consultations, dietitian support and physiotherapy sessions to guide patients toward sustainable health improvements.
Borneo Post
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
PKR Sabah backs MACC probe into mining scandal
Mustapha (second right) and Kasim (to his left) watching a briefing on NMM 2025. KOTA KINABALU (June 19): Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sabah fully supports the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)'s investigation into the mining licence corruption scandal involving several state assemblymen. PKR Sabah chairman Datuk Ts Mustapha Sakmud emphasized that the Madani Government does not tolerate corruption, contrary to claims by other parties and an upcoming anti-corruption rally. He said MACC's move to record statements from several assemblymen and the possibility of court charges demonstrates the government's seriousness in addressing the issue. When asked whether the scandal could affect potential cooperation between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in the upcoming state election, Mustapha said such investigations are part of the normal process. 'Corruption is an issue that transcends political boundaries. Other parties have also been involved and charged in court,' he said. 'However, we should not use this as a basis to reject any form of cooperation. Cooperation is not only political — it also includes working together on manifestos and shared aspirations to combat corruption in Sabah.' He was speaking to reporters after closing the Nutrition Month Malaysia (NMM) 2025 programme at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) on Thursday. Mustapha was responding to a recent statement by MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, who said two assemblymen and a businessman will be charged in connection with the alleged corruption scandal. On another note, Mustapha, who is also Deputy Higher Education Minister, lauded the annual NMM programme organised by UMS' Food Science and Nutrition Faculty for promoting awareness on shifting from 'sick care' to disease prevention. Citing the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2024, he said young adults, including university students, are consuming less fruits and vegetables, have high sugary drink intake, and lead sedentary lifestyles. He also highlighted rising concerns over mental health issues and increasing rates of overweight and obesity. 'These findings are very worrying and need to be given serious attention by all levels of society, especially our youth and students, who are the backbone of the nation. 'The health of our youth today will shape their future capabilities and competitiveness,' he said. Mustapha welcomed the initiative by UMS and supporting agencies in organising NMM 2025, stating that building a healthy generation should begin from a young age. 'This requires a comprehensive and integrated approach involving government, the private sector, industries and the public,' he added. Also present at the programme was UMS Vice Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor.
