“We live to eat” – M’sia Has the 2nd Highest Overweight Population in SEA, Netizens Blame the Food

There is nothing more important than your physical and mental health to live a longer, happier life. Being overweight is not a new health condition in Malaysia and despite advice from doctors, many Malaysians are still trapped with this condition.

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According to data released by the Central Intelligence Agency, Malaysia has the 2nd highest overweight population in South East Asia, with 19.7% of Malaysians suffering from overweight. Brunei ranks 1st with the highest overweight population in SEA, with 28.2% of the people there trapped in weight-related issues, according to a post by @seasia.news on Instagram.

Singapore and Thailand, both at 11.6% come in 3rd and 4th, respectively, followed by the Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.

The data is collected from 2016–2024, measured by the percentage of adults experiencing overweight in Southeast Asia. These figures define obesity as a BMI of 30kg/m² or higher.

As for the health junkies, here’s how you can fight overweight-related health issues, according to some tips shared by Ramsay Health Care.

• Focus on the nutritional content of your food
• Avoid unhealthy drinks, especially those that will give you a sugar spike
• Get active by doing more exercises
• Understand your eating habit
• Obesity treatment before it’s too late

“We live to eat”

Malaysian netizens, on the other hand, took the data “easy” and reacted with hilarious comments, with some of them saying that Malaysia should’ve ranked the 1st, and delicacies here are among the causes of people gaining weight.

“It’s because we live to eat. We eat when we’re bored, frustrated, or going through a break-up, and when we’re happy. We even eat once we’re awake.”

“Malaysia should’ve been in the 1st place.”

Another netizen said that he doesn’t mind being overweight and he is loving the way he is.

In the data,  Vietnam recorded the lowest percentage among Southeast Asian countries with only a rate of 1.7%. Timor Leste ends up with the lowest percentage of overweight population in SEA.

Being overweight leads to more health issues, such as diabetes, heart attack, gallbladder diseases, and more, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. We can’t deny how good our food can be, but it’s best to take things moderately.

Also read: “Up to 3% are obese” – KL Police Chief Tells His Police Personnel to Lose Weight Immediately