Brunei has emerged as the country with the highest obesity rate in Southeast Asia, according to recent data. The 2016 STEPS Survey revealed that 62.8% of adults aged 18 and above are overweight (with a Body Mass Index, or BMI, of 25kg/m² or higher), and 28.2% are classified as obese (BMI ≥30kg/m²). Among adolescents aged 13 to 17, the obesity rate stands at 18.1%, a slight increase from 17.4% in 2014, as reported by the Global School-Based Health Survey (2019). These alarming statistics highlight a growing public health crisis in the Sultanate.
The Health Risks of Obesity
Obesity is not just a matter of weight—it is a chronic disease with severe consequences. It is one of the leading risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Globally, obesity contributes to 12% of deaths caused by NCDs. In Brunei, the rising obesity rates are a significant concern for the nation’s healthcare system and overall productivity.
A Global Crisis
The problem is not unique to Brunei. According to the World Obesity Federation’s 2024 report, approximately three billion people worldwide are overweight or obese. Of these, one billion individuals are classified as obese, including 880 million adults and 159 million children and adolescents aged 5 to 19. Even more concerning is the prediction that this number could double by 2035 if current trends continue.
Causes of Obesity
The causes of obesity are multifaceted. Unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyles, emotional or financial stress, and sleep disturbances are among the primary factors. However, it is essential to recognize that obesity is not solely an individual issue. Family dynamics, social environments, and systemic factors such as food availability, marketing practices, and urban planning also play significant roles.
Brunei’s Response to the Crisis
In a message commemorating World Obesity Day 2025, Brunei’s Minister of Health, Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar, emphasized the need for collective action to address this growing epidemic. The theme for this year’s celebration, “Changing Systems, Healthier Lives,” underscores the importance of systemic changes in tackling obesity.
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has implemented several initiatives to combat obesity, including:
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Establishing an Obesity Taskforce (2024): This taskforce is responsible for implementing key actions to strengthen health services, improve prevention and control measures, and provide advisory services on obesity and nutritional counseling.
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Obesity Clinic Services: The Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital now offers specialized obesity clinics for adults, accessible through referrals from local health centers.
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National Multi-sectoral Action Plan (BruMAP-NCD 2021-2025): This plan focuses on creating healthier eating environments, promoting physical activity, supporting breastfeeding practices, and implementing policies such as a sugar-sweetened beverages tax and responsible food marketing guidelines.
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Public Awareness Campaigns: The MoH conducts mass media campaigns and health activities in schools, childcare centers, and communities to raise awareness about obesity and the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
A Call to Action
The fight against obesity requires a collective effort. While the government plays a crucial role in creating supportive environments and policies, individuals, families, and communities must also take responsibility for their health. Adopting healthier eating habits, increasing physical activity, and advocating for systemic changes are essential steps toward reducing obesity rates in Brunei.
As the world marks World Obesity Day on March 4, the message is clear: obesity is a preventable and treatable condition, but addressing it requires sustained commitment from all sectors of society. By working together, Brunei can pave the way for a healthier, more prosperous future.
