Malaysia is facing a mounting public health crisis as obesity rates continue to soar, despite having some of the necessary policies in place to combat the issue. According to the World Obesity Atlas 2025, published by the World Obesity Foundation to coincide with World Obesity Day on 4 March, Malaysia ranks fourth in the Asean region for adults with high body mass index (BMI) and those living with obesity, trailing only Brunei, Thailand, and Laos. With projections estimating a dramatic rise in affected adults from 8.14 million in 2010 to 17.55 million by 2030, experts warn that the country’s existing health strategies must be matched by effective implementation to stem the tide.

The report paints a sobering picture of a global epidemic, with the number of adults living with obesity worldwide expected to more than double from 524 million in 2010 to 1.13 billion by 2030. In Malaysia, the challenge is particularly acute, as the country grapples with the dual burden of rising obesity rates and the associated strain on its healthcare system. While the nation is among just 7% of countries globally with an adequate health system to address obesity, the gap between policy and practice remains a critical barrier.

A Framework in Place, But Execution Lags

Malaysia currently has four out of five key policies identified by the World Obesity Foundation as essential for tackling obesity. These include taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, taxes on foods high in fats, saturated fats, sugar, and salt, subsidies for healthier food options, and incentives to promote physical activity. On paper, this positions Malaysia as a regional leader in health policy innovation within Asean, where many neighbouring countries, such as Singapore, lack even a single one of these critical measures.

However, the World Obesity Foundation cautions that policies alone are insufficient. “Having policies is not enough,” the report states, highlighting the need for effective implementation, especially in resource-limited settings. In low- and middle-income countries like Malaysia, where healthcare budgets are often stretched thin, translating policy into tangible outcomes remains a formidable challenge. The report calls for “collective action by governments and wider society” to change systems and address the root causes of obesity.

Simon Barquera, President of the World Obesity Federation, echoed this sentiment, urging a whole-of-society approach. “Obesity is a serious disease in its own right and a major driver of noncommunicable diseases including cancer, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes,” he said. Barquera pointed out the staggering toll, with nearly 4 million deaths annually attributable to obesity—surpassing even global road traffic fatalities. “We would be horrified if a country had no policy to reduce road deaths, yet many governments have no serious plan to reduce illness and death caused by obesity,” he added.

Regional and Global Trends: A Growing Burden

Within the Asean region, Malaysia’s position as fourth in terms of obesity prevalence underscores a broader regional trend. Southeast Asia, alongside Africa and the Western Pacific, is witnessing some of the most significant increases in obesity, with projected rises of 200% to 400% between 2010 and 2030. This rapid escalation is particularly concerning for countries with limited resources to manage the health implications, as obesity drives a surge in noncommunicable diseases that strain public health systems.

Globally, the numbers are equally alarming. The World Obesity Atlas 2025 projects that Class II obesity—defined as a BMI over 35 kg/m²—will affect 385 million adults by 2030, up from 157 million in 2010. For Malaysia, this translates to a near doubling of adults with high BMI over two decades, placing immense pressure on healthcare infrastructure and economic productivity. The ripple effects are profound, as obesity-related illnesses contribute to absenteeism, reduced workforce capacity, and escalating medical costs.

In comparison, Singapore, despite lacking most of the key obesity policies, reports a slightly lower proportion of adults living with obesity or overweight conditions than Malaysia. This disparity raises questions about the effectiveness of policy implementation and the role of cultural and environmental factors in shaping health outcomes across the region.

Beyond the immediate health impacts, Malaysia’s obesity crisis carries significant economic and social consequences. Noncommunicable diseases linked to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, are already major contributors to healthcare expenditure in the country. As the number of affected individuals rises, so too will the financial burden on both the government and households, particularly for lower-income families who may struggle to access adequate care.

Moreover, obesity often perpetuates cycles of inequality. In resource-constrained settings, access to healthy food options and opportunities for physical activity can be limited, disproportionately affecting marginalised communities. The World Obesity Foundation’s report highlights the need for systemic change, including better food labelling, taxation on unhealthy products, and urban planning that encourages active lifestyles. Without such interventions, the socioeconomic divide in health outcomes is likely to widen.

If Malaysia fails to bridge the gap between policy and implementation, the long-term costs could be staggering. While exact figures remain speculative, some estimates suggest that obesity-related healthcare expenses could account for a significant portion of the national budget by 2030 if current trends persist. Such projections, though unconfirmed, underscore the urgency of action and the potential economic fallout of inaction.

Pathways to Progress: Challenges and Opportunities

Addressing Malaysia’s obesity crisis requires a multi-pronged approach that goes beyond legislative measures. Experts advocate for public awareness campaigns to challenge stigma and educate communities about the risks of obesity and the benefits of healthier lifestyles. Training for healthcare workers to deliver people-centred care is also critical, ensuring that individuals receive tailored support rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

Urban planning plays a pivotal role as well. Creating environments that facilitate physical activity—such as accessible parks, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly spaces—can encourage healthier habits. In a rapidly urbanising country like Malaysia, where sedentary lifestyles are increasingly common, such initiatives could make a meaningful difference. However, funding and political will remain key hurdles, particularly in balancing health priorities against other national development goals.

The World Obesity Foundation also points to the importance of regional cooperation. As Asean countries face similar challenges, sharing best practices and resources could amplify the impact of individual national efforts. For instance, Malaysia could learn from Brunei or Thailand, both of which rank higher in obesity prevalence but may have insights into effective interventions or community engagement strategies.

A Call for Collective Action

Malaysia stands at a crossroads in its fight against obesity. With a robust policy framework already in place, the country has a foundation to build upon. Yet, as the World Obesity Atlas 2025 makes clear, the gap between policy and practice remains a critical obstacle. Without concerted efforts to implement these measures effectively, the projected rise in obesity—from 8.14 million affected adults in 2010 to 17.55 million by 2030—will continue unabated, with devastating consequences for public health and the economy.

The call for collective action, as articulated by the World Obesity Foundation, is a reminder that this is not a challenge for governments alone. Civil society, private sectors, and individuals all have a role to play in reshaping systems and fostering environments that prioritise health. For Malaysia, the stakes are high, but so too is the potential for meaningful change if the nation can mobilise its resources and resolve to turn the tide against this growing crisis.

As Simon Barquera aptly noted, the global death toll from obesity demands the same urgency as any other preventable tragedy. For Malaysia, the time to act is now—before the burden becomes insurmountable.