With more than half of Malaysian adults currently living with overweight or obesity, experts are calling for a more coordinated national response to address what is increasingly recognised as a chronic disease.
According to Malaysia’s National Health and Morbidity Survey, more than one in two adults in the country are now affected by overweight or obesity, placing Malaysia among Southeast Asia’s highest obesity rates. The trend continues to rise, creating growing concerns about the long-term impact on families, healthcare systems and national productivity.
In conjunction with World Obesity Day and International Women’s Day, Novo Nordisk Pharma (Malaysia) recently convened healthcare professionals, corporate leaders and individuals living with obesity for a dialogue aimed at reframing how the nation understands and addresses the condition.
Held under the theme “Women in Leadership and Health,” the discussion focused on improving health outcomes for women, who often face unique challenges in managing overweight and obesity.
A Complex Health Challenge
Medical experts emphasise that obesity should be understood as a chronic, progressive disease shaped by biological, social and environmental factors rather than simply a matter of lifestyle choice.
Globally, women generally have a higher percentage of body fat than men, and gender differences play a significant role in how obesity manifests. Research also shows that men often lose weight more easily due to differences in body composition, basal metabolic rate and energy expenditure.
Dr Praful Chakkarwar, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Malaysia, noted that women frequently carry an additional burden when it comes to weight-related health challenges.
“In Malaysia, women living with overweight or obesity often face disproportionate challenges, not only in terms of health outcomes but also through persistent societal stereotypes that frame weight as a measure of discipline, appearance or personal failure,” he said.
“These narratives can delay diagnosis, limit access to appropriate care and contribute to stigma in healthcare settings, workplaces and everyday life. At Novo Nordisk, we remain committed to supporting efforts that improve understanding, reduce stigma and strengthen evidence-based obesity care in Malaysia.”
Beyond Willpower
Professor Dr Rohana Abdul Ghani, President of the Malaysian Obesity Society (MYOS) and Senior Consultant Endocrinologist, stressed that obesity is often misunderstood.
“Research shows that 45 per cent of people living with overweight or obesity experience ongoing struggles with weight management, with nearly half feeling controlled by their weight. In addition, 57 per cent relapse into previous eating habits despite sustained efforts,” she said.
“These findings highlight that obesity is not a failure of willpower but a chronic condition that requires collective care, supportive environments and shared responsibility across families, workplaces, healthcare systems and society.”
Workplace Support for Women’s Health
Corporate leaders at the event also highlighted the role organisations can play in promoting healthier lifestyles and improving health outcomes for women.
Shireen Kandiah, Director of Branding, Marketing and Sustainability at the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB), said workplace policies can make a meaningful difference.
“Supporting women to achieve and maintain better health, including a healthy weight, should not be treated as a peripheral workplace issue. It is a leadership decision that shapes culture, builds confidence and drives long-term organisational resilience,” she said.
“When workplaces incorporate practical measures such as flexible time for healthcare appointments and credible health education, women are better able to sustain healthy routines alongside professional and caregiving responsibilities.”
Sharon Foo, Group Chief Human Resource Officer at IHH Healthcare, echoed the importance of supportive environments.
“The global call of World Obesity Day reminds us that there are eight billion reasons to act. When we invest in infrastructure and support systems for women’s health, the impact extends far beyond the individual,” she said.
“When a woman is healthy, it leads to healthier families, stronger workplaces and more resilient communities.”
The Importance of Support Systems
Celebrity chef and health advocate Ili Sulaiman also shared her perspective on the emotional aspects of managing weight.
“Taking the first step to manage weight is never just a personal decision; it is often an emotional journey,” she said.
“Having the right support system—whether from colleagues, friends, family or healthcare professionals—can make all the difference. When support is present, progress becomes more sustainable and managing weight becomes a shared commitment to better health.”
Changing the Conversation
This year’s World Obesity Day and International Women’s Day serve as a reminder that tackling obesity requires more than individual effort. Advocates are calling for a shift in public dialogue towards non-stigmatising, person-first language and more inclusive approaches to prevention and treatment.
As Malaysia continues to grapple with rising obesity rates, Novo Nordisk says it remains committed to working with partners across healthcare, corporate and community sectors to strengthen awareness, promote health equity and ensure better outcomes for all Malaysians.
The message, experts say, is clear: addressing obesity is not simply about weight — it is about health, dignity and collective responsibility.