According to the newest data, Brunei appeared as a rustic with the best obesity in Southeast Asia. Steps from 2016 showed that 62.8% of adults aged 18 and above are chubby (with body weight or BMI, 25 kg/m² or higher), and 28.2% are classified as obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m²). Among teenagers aged 13 to 17, the obesity rate is eighteen.1%, which is a small increase of 17.4% in 2014, as reported by a world school health study (2019). These alarming statistics emphasize the growing crisis of public health within the sultanate.
A threat to the health of obesity
Obesity just isn’t only a matter of weight – it’s a chronic disease with serious consequences. It is one in all the leading risk aspects for non -infectious diseases (NCD), similar to heart disease, diabetes and hypertension. Globally obesity contributes to 12% of deaths brought on by the NCD. In Brunei, growing obesity indicators are a significant issue for the national healthcare and general performance system.
Global crisis
The problem just isn’t unique to Brunei. According to the report of the World Federation of Obese in 2024, about three billion people around the globe are chubby or obesity. Of these, one billion persons are classified as obese, including 880 million adults and 159 million children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years old. It is much more uncertain to predict that this number can double until 2035 if the present trends persist.
Causes of obesity
The causes of obesity are multi -faceted. Unhealthy eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle, emotional or financial stress and sleep disorders belong to the important aspects. However, it’s obligatory to acknowledge that obesity just isn’t only a person problem. Family dynamics, social environments and systemic aspects, similar to food availability, marketing practices and concrete planning, also play a major role.
Brunei’s answer to the crisis
In a message commemorating the World Obesity Day 2025, Minister of Health Brunei, Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar, emphasized the necessity for collective motion to resolve this growing epidemic. The topic of this 12 months’s ceremony, “Changing systems, healthier life”, emphasizes the importance of systemic changes within the fight against obesity.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) implemented several initiatives to combat obesity, including:
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Establishment of an obesity task group (2024): This task group is answerable for the implementation of key activities to strengthen health services, improve preventive measures and control in addition to the availability of advisory services in the sector of dietary obesity and counseling.
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Obesity Clinic Services: The Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (Ripas) hospital now offers specialized adult obesity clinics, available through local health centers.
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National Multi-Sectoral Action Plan (BRUMAP-NCD 2021-2025): This plan focuses on creating healthier dietary environments, promoting physical activity, supporting breastfeeding practices and implementing principles similar to tax on sweetening drinks with sugar and responsible food marketing guidelines.
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Public awareness campaigns: MOH conducts campaigns of mass media and health classes in schools, childcare centers and communities to extend awareness of obesity and the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Call to act
The fight against obesity requires joint effort. While the federal government plays a key role in creating circles and supporting policies, individuals, families and communities must also take responsibility for his or her health. The adoption of healthier eating habits, increasing physical activity and supporting systemic changes are essential steps to cut back obesity indicators in Brunea.
Since World Obesity Day World Obesity Day is evident: Obesity is a state possible to forestall and treat, but this solution requires everlasting commitment from all sectors of society. Working together, Brunei can pave the trail of a healthier, successful future.
