When it comes to obesity, many still think it’s simply the result of poor willpower or lack of discipline. But the truth is — obesity is a chronic and complex disease, not a personal failure. It is shaped by a mix of genetic, hormonal, emotional, environmental, and social factors.
In today’s world, we are constantly surrounded by fast food, high-calorie snacks, and stress. Add in busy schedules, poor sleep, and emotional triggers, and it’s easy to see how even the most well-intentioned person can struggle with eating habits. But blaming individuals misses the bigger picture.
As a dietitian, one of my biggest challenges is helping people unlearn years of self-blame and weight stigma. Many patients walk into my consultation room carrying guilt from repeated “failed” diets. What they don’t realise is — the approach failed them, not the other way around.
We now understand that the body often fights weight loss. When you lose weight, your brain may increase hunger signals and slow down metabolism to bring the weight back. This is part of your body’s natural survival response — not a sign of laziness.
That’s why modern obesity management is shifting. It’s no longer just about “eat less, move more.” It’s about addressing the why behind the eating — emotions, habits, food environments, stress, sleep, and more. It’s about helping people build sustainable habits that improve their overall health, not just chase a smaller number on the scale.
One of my patients, for instance, used to skip breakfast and often binged at night due to stress. Instead of giving her a long list of foods to avoid, we started with small changes: having a simple breakfast and learning how to pause before emotional eating. Within months, her energy improved, her mood lifted, and her blood sugar stabilised — all without a strict diet.
The key? Compassion over control. Progress over perfection.
As a team, dietitians work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals to support people living with obesity. While doctors manage the medical side — like medications or screenings — dietitians help people understand how their relationship with food is influenced by both biology and environment. We help people make food decisions that are realistic, enjoyable, and health-supportive — not punishing.
So how do we get Malaysians to take obesity seriously — without shaming anyone?
We start by changing the narrative. Obesity is not a character flaw. It’s a real disease with real consequences — including diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. But it’s also manageable with the right care, support, and understanding.
Let’s shift our focus from weight to wellbeing. Let’s stop asking, “How much weight did you lose?” and start asking, “How’s your energy? Are you sleeping better? Is your health improving?”
And most importantly — let’s create a society where people of all sizes are treated with dignity and respect.
My message today is simple:
If you’re struggling with your weight, don’t give up. You’re not alone, and you’re not to blame. Seek help from trained professionals who understand the science behind obesity and will work with you — not against you. Small, sustainable changes can lead to powerful health improvements, and every step counts.
Reference:
Tham KW, Abdul Ghani R, Cua SC, Deerochanawong C, Fojas M, Hocking S, Lee J, Nam TQ, Pathan F, Saboo B, Soegondo S, Somasundaram N, Yong AML, Ashkenas J, Webster N, Oldfield B. Obesity in South and Southeast Asia-A new consensus on care and management. Obes Rev. 2023 Feb;24(2):e13520.
David Tak Wai Lui, Junya Ako, Jamshed Dalal, Alan Fong, Masashi Fujino, Ari Horton, Rungroj Krittayaphong, Wael Almahmeed, Anne Thushara Matthias, Adam J Nelson, Stephen Nicholls, Richard O’Brien, Kian Keong Poh, Khalida Soomro, Khung Keong Yeo, Kathryn Choon Beng Tan. Obesity in the Asia-Pacific Region: Current Perspectives. Journal of Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology 2024;3:e21.
