Obesity rates are surging in Vietnam, with the latest statistics showing a staggering 38% increase, placing the country among the fastest-growing obesity rates in Southeast Asia.
Alarmingly, according to the National Institute of Nutrition, the rate of overweight and obese children aged 5 to 19 years old has doubled in just a decade, surging from 8.5% in 2010 to 19% in 2020. This figure climbs even higher in urban areas, reaching 26.8%, reflecting a worrying trend in modern dietary habits and lifestyle choices.
Medical experts warn that obesity is not merely a cosmetic concern but a leading risk factor for a host of serious health issues, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, depression, endocrine disorders, organ damage, obstetric complications, and sleep disturbances.
Obesity Classified as a Chronic Disease
PGS.TS Nguyen Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Institute of Digestive Surgery and Head of the Digestive Surgery Department at the Central Military Hospital 108, emphasizes that obesity is now recognized as a chronic disease. However, in Vietnam, there remains a lack of comprehensive understanding of this condition, both in research and practical treatment approaches.
Approximately 40% of doctors feel reluctant to address weight issues, while nearly 50% of patients experience shame or embarrassment when confronted with their weight. These seemingly small psychological barriers have a significant negative impact on the treatment and prevention of obesity.
Primary Causes of Obesity Today
Experts highlight that obesity is not solely the consequence of overeating or excessive energy intake. Instead, it is the cumulative result of multiple factors:
- Unhealthy diets: Overconsumption of processed foods, fast food, sugary drinks, and foods high in fat and sugar.
- Lack of physical activity: Both children and adults spend excessive time on electronic devices, leading to a sedentary lifestyle with little outdoor activity or exercise.
- Unscientific lifestyle habits: Late nights, insufficient sleep, irregular eating patterns, and frequent night-time eating contribute to weight gain.
- Genetic and endocrine factors: Some individuals have a genetic predisposition to weight gain or suffer from endocrine disorders such as thyroid problems.
- Prolonged stress: Stress can trigger comfort eating, especially of sugary and fatty foods, making weight control more challenging.
Severe Health Consequences of Obesity
Obesity has far-reaching implications for both physical and mental health, leading to a range of serious conditions:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease and hypertension
- Dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels)
- Fatty liver disease and liver failure
- Cancer (breast, colorectal, endometrial, etc.)
- Endocrine disorders and reduced fertility
- Depression, memory impairment, and sleep disorders
- Obstetric complications in pregnant women
Urgent Need for Obesity Prevention: No Time to Waste
- Promote nutritional education and instill healthy eating habits from a young age.
- Encourage regular physical activity for both children and adults.
- Limit screen time, especially during leisure hours.
- Emphasize the importance of regular health check-ups and BMI monitoring to detect obesity risks early on.
- Change societal perceptions: Obesity is not merely a “body type” but a treatable medical condition that requires proper management.
Obesity is not just an individual issue but a public health challenge. Raising awareness and taking timely action are crucial to safeguarding health, improving quality of life, and preventing the onset of severe chronic diseases in the future.
