The WHO, through its official website, has called on Southeast Asian countries to strengthen policies that promote healthy eating and physical activity to combat the rising rates of obesity, overweight individuals, and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cancer, which are now the leading causes of death in the region.
Saima Wazed, WHO’s Regional Director for Southeast Asia, reported that obesity and metabolic disorders are continuously increasing, affecting both children and adults, and leading to a surge in cases of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, now responsible for nearly two-thirds of deaths in the region.
Approximately 5 million children under the age of five and 37.3 million children aged 5 to 19 are overweight. Rapid urbanization and economic growth have worsened unhealthy diets, reduced physical activity, and increased sedentary lifestyles. Nearly 74% of adolescents and 50% of adults are not physically active enough.
Obesity and non-communicable diseases pose significant challenges to achieving the targets of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, which aims to reduce premature deaths from these diseases. Wazed emphasized the need for more than just knowledge and behavioral change; a supportive environment for healthy choices is also essential.
She called for strong policy implementation in homes, schools, and retail settings, as well as fiscal incentives for healthy eating. While progress has been made, such as food labeling and taxes on sugary drinks, further steps are needed to encourage healthier lifestyles.
Obesity Rates in Southeast Asia
Brunei has recorded the highest rate of overweight individuals in Southeast Asia, according to the latest data from The World Factbook – Central Intelligence Agency, covering the period from 2016 to 2024. This data measures the percentage of overweight adults in Southeast Asia, with obesity defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher.
On the other hand, according to a publication titled "Combating Obesity in Southeast Asian Countries: Current Status and Way Forward," the prevalence of obesity in Southeast Asia has sharply increased since 1995, with countries like Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam recording the fastest growth. Moreover, the publication notes that obesity trends are now spreading not only among adults but also among children and adolescents.
| Country | Projected Annual Increase in Adult Obesity 2020–2035 (%) | Projected Annual Increase in Child Obesity 2020–2035 (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Brunei Darussalam | 4.2 | 4.4 |
| Cambodia | 5.8 | 8.1 |
| Indonesia | 5.8 | 7.9 |
| Laos | 6.1 | 8.9 |
| Malaysia | 4.7 | 5.3 |
| Myanmar | 5.5 | 8.4 |
| Philippines | 4.6 | 6.9 |
| Singapore | 2.1 | 0.8 |
| Thailand | 5.3 | 6.2 |
| Vietnam | 6.3 | 9.8 |
The World Obesity Atlas 2035 projections also estimate that the prevalence of obesity in adults will double, from 4.0% to 10.0% among men and from 8.0% to 16.0% among women.
Policy Support for Addressing Obesity in ASEAN Countries
At the regional level, ASEAN member states are committed to tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity through the ASEAN Post-2015 Health Development Agenda. This agenda includes health priorities and work programs to support the Sustainable Development Goals, including promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing obesity.
At the national level, countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Myanmar have made obesity a key priority in their National Plans of Action for Nutrition (NPAN). These countries have set targets for controlling obesity, with policies that include community nutrition empowerment, regulating unhealthy food marketing, nutrition labeling, and promoting early detection.
Thailand has implemented the "2nd Strategic Framework for Food Management 2019-2037," focusing on food education and integrating nutritional knowledge. Meanwhile, the Philippines has proposed legislation for a comprehensive National Integrated Obesity Management Program to reduce obesity and provide related services.
Countries in the region have also developed official Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs) to promote healthy eating and prevent malnutrition, including physical activity guidelines as part of a holistic health strategy.
