Mat Saleh Highlights Malaysia’s Obesity Rates, Compares It with Vietnam

Source: The Rakyat Post

According to the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), approximately 54.4% of Malaysians are either overweight (32.6%) or obese (21.8%).

It’s well-known that diet and local food culture play significant roles in a country’s overall health statistics.

Obesity in Malaysia: A Growing Concern

In a video shared on TikTok, travel vlogger Alex Wanders compared the health and lifestyle differences between two Southeast Asian nations – Vietnam and Malaysia, which he described as the “thinnest” and “fattest” countries in Asia, respectively.

He pointed out that Vietnam has an obesity rate of just 2%, whereas Malaysia’s obesity rate is notably high, with some describing it as “unbelievable.”

For example, Malaysia is known for its beloved local dishes like nasi lemak, roti canai, and nasi kandar. These hearty meals, along with the presence of many fast food chains, ice cream shops, and cafés, contribute to the country’s reputation for offering less healthy food options compared to some of its neighbors, who tend to incorporate more vegetables into their diets.

Vietnam’s Healthier Cuisine and Active Lifestyle

Alex remarked that Vietnamese food is fresh, healthy, and low in calories, with dishes often packed with vegetables and lean protein. He also noted that the people of Vietnam lead an active lifestyle, with many taking part in jogging, running, and yoga sessions by the beach as early as 6 AM.

Malaysia’s Diet: Processed and Sugary Foods

In contrast, Alex described the diet in Malaysia as being dominated by fast food, sugary drinks, and processed foods, with added sugar even found in salad dressings. He also noted the challenges faced by pedestrians in Malaysia, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, where crossing busy streets can be difficult.

At the end of the video, Alex mentioned that the obesity rate in Malaysia was at 54%.

Netizens’ Reactions

The video prompted many Malaysians to respond humorously. One TikTok user commented that they were eating double portions of nasi when watching the video. Others expressed surprise at the obesity statistics, acknowledging that they, too, contribute to the nation’s obesity rate.

However, some social media users pointed out that Alex had not visited places like parks, which are filled with people exercising early in the morning.

Is Malaysia Still the “Most Obese” in Asia?

The latest NHMS 2023 data shows that around 54.4% of Malaysians are overweight or obese. In 2014, a study published in The Lancet medical journal referred to Malaysia as the most obese country in Asia.

However, more recent data from September 2024 suggests that Brunei now has a higher prevalence of obesity at 62.8%. Additionally, Indonesia’s 2023 health survey reported an obesity rate of 23.4%, which is also higher than Malaysia’s.

Vietnam, on the other hand, remains the Southeast Asian country with the lowest prevalence of overweight and obesity.