OBESITY is a crucial public health problem that is increasing globally.
Adults are considered overweight when their body mass index (BMI) is above 25, and obese when it hits more than 30.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 39% of adults aged 18 years and above were overweight in 2016, while 13% were obese.
It also stated that 38 million children under the age of five were overweight or obese in 2019.
Clinical dietician and certified bariatric educator Ng Kar Foo said obesity should be managed like any other chronic disease, such as diabetes and hypertension.
“We all should recognise obesity as a complex, progressive, relapsing chronic disease that needs evidence-based comprehensive treatment and long-term follow-up.