James Kon
Obesity problem is closely related to non-communicable diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. In Brunei Darussalam, the rate of obesity in adults is among the highest in the region whereby nearly three from 10 adults were found to be obese according to the Non-Communicable Disease Survey 2016. Meanwhile, the ’Global school-based Health Survey (GSHS)’ 2019 shows the rate of obesity among teenagers aged 13 to 17 is at 18.1 per cent.
Health screening by school health services, Ministry of Health (MoH) among students nationwide found that the rate of obesity among students for Years One, Four and Seven has jumped from 17 per cent to 19 per cent within 10 years.
If obesity problem is not tackled early, this trend will continue to increase and obese children will grow with health problems.
The worrying trend of obesity in the country was underscored by Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar in a message yesterday in conjunction with the World Obesity Day.
World Obesity Day, he said “is a day of unified action to be celebrated on March 4 by World Obesity Federation to raise the awareness on obesity that is a growing problem in whole world. The theme for this year celebration is ‘Changing Perspectives: Let’s Talk About Obesity’”.
In the global level, the minister shared “it is estimated 1.9 billion adults are obese which is one in every four adults will be obese by 2035.
The rate of obesity among children is also worrying because it is estimated to increase by 100 per cent between 2020 and 2035 if no action is taken to overcome this problem. The World Obesity Federation estimates medical costs around the world to treat diseases related to obesity is as much as USD4.32 trillion in 2035 unless efforts in dealing with and reducing the obesity rate is intensified and strengthened.”
There are several factors causing an increase in body weight throughout life – environmental influence of children eating habit, sedentary lifestyle, emotional or financial stress, sleep disorders and more.
In addition, he said, “Obesity can be caused by mental health problems like depression, the use of certain drugs like steroid causing excessive weight gain. Thus, we need to change the perception of obesity as individual problems.”
There is no single cause for obesity. He highlighted, “apart from the actions of individuals themselves and member’s families, an integrated approach is needed by all levels of community and various sectors addressing and preventing the increase of obesity in the country.”
Therefore, the minister said,“I would like to emphasise the mission of World Obesity Day which is for us to raise awareness and understand problems and actions to overcome obesity, encourage community to advocate in prevention and control of obesity, formulate and implement policies related to obesity to prioritise healthy environment and share experiences to deal with each other and help reduce the rate of obesity at the national, regional and international level.”
From that, he added, “Let’s come together to talk, share experience and understand the complex cause of obesity so that we can take effective action for ourselves, the community and our nation.
“Discussions can also teach us to understand one’s experience on obesity to further help change the perspective about obesity and inspire others. At the same time, conversation on obesity can also provide lesson and encourage us to take effective actions for improving one’s own health as well as for practicing a healthy lifestyle.”
Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Isham expressed, “I would like to draw public attention on one of the main contributing factors on the cause of obesity which is the marketing of unhealthy food and drinks.
“Alhamdulillah, the policy to control marketing of unhealthy food and drinks containing high sugar, salt and fat among children in the country was implemented in January 2022.
“The policy introduced is the Code of Responsible Marketing of Food and Beverages to Children in Brunei Darussalam which is one of the efforts of MoH in addressing and preventing the obesity problem in the country, especially among children.
“Findings have shown that there are complex and interrelated relationships between food system, health and marketing of food products with obesity. Therefore, all stakeholders need to be concerned about this matter and take reasonable measures to ensure our children are protected from the effects of irresponsible advertising. The food and beverage industry has an important role to play in influencing consumer behaviour and choice by providing more alternative healthy choices and affordable for all.”
He continued, “We are all capable of making changes for ourselves and our children, with advice, motivation and suitable services or programmes. To all who want to take steps to make changes to reduce weight or want to be healthier, I really welcome you to seek advice from nearby health centres.”
The minister highlighted “Alhamdulillah, the government of His Majesty through MoH provides obesity clinic service for adults at the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital through reference from health centres.
“Advice can also be obtained from Health Promotion Centres where healthy lifestyle policies and programmes can be developed together with the involvement and cooperation of government institutions and private sector of food and beverage sales or manufacturing industries, workplace, non-government bodies as well as the public in together addressing and preventing obesity problems in the country.”
Before concluding he said, “Let us all be responsible and determined to make healthier choices for our own health. According to Allah the Almighty’s Firman in Surah Al-Baqarah verses 195 that translates “Don’t do it on purpose of throwing yourselves into danger of destruction.” Insya Allah, the MoH with the cooperation of the stakeholders will always and continue to be committed in addressing obesity by reviewing and implementing policies, organise various health promotional programmes and activities to encourage people to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight to reduce the rate of non-communicable diseases and also to ensure the quality of life for us and our children will continue to be guaranteed.”
