Obesity care underutilized in Malaysia due to stigma, experts say

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 — Over 50% of Malaysian adults avoid obesity treatment due to stigma and self-blame, despite obesity often being a hormonal disorder, experts said at an event announcing new injectable treatments.

Malaysian Obesity Society president Prof Dr Rohana Abdul Ghani said many patients feel ashamed to seek help, believing their condition reflects personal failure rather than a complex medical issue.

"Many patients wrongly blame themselves for their weight, but obesity is often caused by underlying physiological and hormonal factors," Rohana said.

She cited conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome in women and hypogonadism in men as contributors, stressing the need for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Rohana warned against unregulated supplements, which have been linked to liver and kidney failure, and highlighted newer injectable treatments that target both brain and gut for better appetite control.

She emphasized early intervention, as weight gain becomes harder to reverse, and advocated treating obesity as a chronic disease requiring medical management.

Urbanization and sedentary lifestyles contribute to obesity in Malaysia, with challenges including costly healthy food and cultural habits like overeating, she added.

Rohana called for education on portion control and diet, such as reducing carbohydrates and prioritizing protein, to address these issues.

She stressed that healthcare providers should act without delay to prevent obesity-related complications and improve overall health outcomes.

"We will continue to advocate better access to treatment and recognition of obesity as a medical condition that requires proper management," Rohana said.