Bandar seri begawan: Brunei Darussalam currently records the highest obesity rate in the ASEAN region at 32.4 percent. Two out of three adults in the country are overweight, with one in three classified as obese. This research finding highlights that the citizens of Brunei are still exposed to unhealthy eating patterns, insufficient physical activities, and lifestyle-related risk factors.
According to Radio Television Brunei, the Minister of Health explained in a World Obesity Day message that obesity is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, stroke, and several types of cancer. These diseases remain leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the nation. Besides health impacts, obesity significantly strains healthcare resources and affects individuals' quality of life.
Recognising the complexity of the obesity issue, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar stated that the Ministry of Health has strengthened its system-based approach by establishing the Obesity Steering Committee in 2024. This committee coordinates policies and program implementations and ensures the involvement of stakeholders from various sectors. The Ministry of Health is also collaborating with the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop a comprehensive strategy for obesity prevention and management.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with WHO, implemented the Training of Trainers on the Obesity Chronic Care Program, the first of its kind globally. This program focused on integrating obesity care into primary healthcare services. WHO selected Brunei's Ministry of Health as the pioneering country for this training workshop. The ministry has also undertaken several initiatives for obesity prevention and management.
This year's World Obesity Day theme, '8 Billion Reasons to Act on Obesity,' underscores global challenges influenced by systems such as the environment, socio-economy, and access to health, requiring a holistic approach involving both government and communities.