LETTER | Obesity or being overweight is a main public health concern in Malaysia. The National Health Screening Initiative 2023 shows that 53.5 percent of Malaysians are obese or overweight (22.2 percent obese and 31.3 percent overweight).

According to the World Obesity Altas report, Malaysia will have an annual increase in child (5.3 percent) and adult (4.7 percent) obesity rates from 2020-2035.

The economic impact of obesity or being overweight has been forecast to cost potential economic losses of over US$20.15 billion by 2035, equivalent to 2.8 percent of the predicted national gross domestic product at that time.

Individuals who are obese or overweight are strongly linked to risks of cancers, including breast, colorectal, endometrial, ovarian, and some other cancers. Fat tissues may play an important role in carcinogenesis and progression to cancer.

The mechanisms through which obesity can increase cancer risks include the production of excess estrogen by fat tissue, elevated levels of insulin, and insulin-like growth factor-1, and the impact on growth hormones, inflammation, and sex hormones in the body.

Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the chance of cancer. Lifestyle changes such as regular physical activity, limiting high-energy food from saturated fats and sugars, increasing fruit and vegetable intake, adequate sleep duration, ceasing tobacco use, and maintaining a cheerful life are the main components for reducing obesity and cancer risks.

In conjunction with World Obesity Day on March 4, 2024, is a unified day of action for response to the obesity crisis. This year’s theme is “Let’s Talk About Obesity And…”, let’s all work together by talking to your families and friends about managing body weight for healthier and longer lives.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.