Is Obesity a Serious National Disease?

A recent survey by the Health Ministry found that over 50% of Malaysians are overweight. Most of them are living unhealthy lifestyles. The survey found that the percentage of overweight or obese adults rose alarmingly from 9.1% in 2011 to 54.5% in 2023.

The Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (Samenta) and the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) have raised the alarm. A nation may not progress if half its people are obese. No work will get done.

The MEF, which saw an exponential increase in its membership with “over 5,000 organisations from various industries and sizes and 22 industry groups’ associations” under its wing believes in the role employers can play to rid the Malaysian workforce of this ‘disease’. Employers could help encourage their employees to reach the health ministry’s recommended goal of walking 10,000 steps a day.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obesity

We are plagued by heart disease, cancer, diabetes and hypertension. We see overcrowded health facilities despite building more hospitals and clinics throughout the country. The drug companies are having a field day. Half the people are suffering from obesity – which is the root cause of many diseases, illnesses and health complications. In 2024, the (projected) revenue of the pharmaceuticals sector in Malaysia is expected to reach $1,618m. 

Meanwhile, people of all races and religions in Malaysia are clearly overindulging in unhealthy food and drinks. This is true, even during Ramadan.

In some government departments, employees are said to take several meal breaks: breakfast, a 10am break, lunch, teatime and even a bite over teh tarik after work at 5pm.

In Thailand, for example, each police personnel are given a uniform. If the uniform does not fit you, you cannot exchange it for a larger-size replacement. Instead, you are given one to two weeks leave to go exercise, eat right and get back into shape to fit the uniform. Many of our defence and security uniformed personnel are clearly obese. They may not be fit to defend the nation, let alone curb the increasing crime rate.

Some blame the fast-food chains. Others will say they do not have much choice as both working parents are left with no time to cook healthy meals at home. The high obesity rate may also be an indicator of the rising cost of living or high poverty. Obesity leads to ill health and under-performance and directly affects the nation’s productivity. 

We need a ‘revolution’ to reset our poor habits and change the landscape of work, play and eating. The Health Ministry needs to work-out a campaign and incentivise people to eat, work and play right. There must also be penalties for high BMIs. How do we finance it? We will get pharmaceutical companies to contribute 2% of their revenues to an Obese Fund!

Reference:

Obesity a serious national disease in Malaysia! JD Lovrenciear, ALIRAN, 30 May 2024