Penang's obesity rate surpasses the national average, prompting Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad to express concerns about the state's public health. The minister revealed that 56.5% of Penang residents are either overweight or obese, compared to the national figure of 54.4%. He also highlighted higher rates of high cholesterol (37.4% vs 33.3%) and high blood pressure (35.4% vs 29.2%) in Penang. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023, non-communicable diseases like diabetes are also more prevalent in the state.
: Penang has recorded a higher obesity rate than the national average, raising concerns about public health in the state, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad., he said that 56.5% of Penangites are either overweight or obese, surpassing the national figure of 54.4%. He revealed this at the official opening event of the North Seberang Perai Wellness Hub at Sungai Dua health clinic on Saturday .“High cholesterol is also more prevalent in Penang at 37.4% compared to 33.
Diabetes, for instance, affects 20.5% of the adult population in the state—4.9% higher than the national rate of 15.6%—with 7.7% unaware they have the condition.“Malaysia’s elderly population is steadily increasing. In 2024, seniors aged 60 and above make up 11.6% of the total population. By 2035, this figure is projected to rise to 15%, marking a 3.4% increase as the nation moves towards an ageing society,“ he said.
OBESITY PUBLIC HEALTH NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES DIABETES WELLNESS HUBS
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