Medical experts attends a World Obesity Day event in HCM City on March 4, highlighting the growing burden of being overweight and obese in Việt Nam and calling for earlier intervention and reduced stigma. — VNS Photos Nguyễn Diệp

HCM CITY — An estimated 20 million Vietnamese, or nearly 20 per cent of the population, are overweight or obese, a growing public health concern that experts warn is fuelling chronic diseases and increasing pressure on healthcare services.

Speaking at an event in HCM City marking World Obesity Day on March 4, medical specialists stressed that obesity, now affecting 19.5 per cent of the population, should be recognised as a complex chronic disease rather than a lifestyle choice or cosmetic concern.

Persistent stigma and misconceptions continue to delay timely medical intervention.

According to the World Health Organisation, obesity is among the most pressing global public health challenges, and Việt Nam is experiencing one of the fastest growth rates in Southeast Asia.

Data from the National Institute of Nutrition show that the prevalence of being overweight and obese among children and adolescents aged five to 19 nearly doubled from 8.5 per cent in 2010 to 19 per cent in 2020.

The rate reached 26.8 per cent in urban areas, compared to 18.3 per cent in rural areas.

Alarmingly, adolescent obesity has surpassed 50 per cent in HCM City and exceeded 41 per cent in Hà Nội.

Beyond its rising prevalence, obesity is closely linked to metabolic disorders and serious non-communicable diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and certain cancers.

Phạm Thị Minh Châu from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in HCM City addresses the psychological impact and stigma faced by people living with obesity.

Associate Professor Trần Quang Nam, head of the Endocrinology Department at the University Medical Centre in HCM City, said many patients underestimate the health risks and delay seeking professional support.

“Obesity is a chronic disease associated with metabolic disturbances.”

When BMI exceeds 25 kg/m², individuals should proactively consult healthcare professionals to develop a safe and evidence-based weight management plan, thereby reducing the risk of complications, he said.

He said that in clinical practice, many patients spend two to five years attempting to manage their weight on their own before turning to doctors, often missing the opportunity for early intervention.

A survey by Decision Lab found that 83 per cent of Vietnamese respondents recognise obesity as a disease that can lead to other chronic conditions.

However, action is frequently delayed due to entrenched cultural beliefs, normalised sedentary lifestyles and the perception that health consequences are not immediate.

Phạm Thị Minh Châu from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in HCM City highlighted the psychological burden faced by people living with obesity.

Beyond the health and financial impact, many individuals experience stigma, self-blame and emotional distress, she said.

“Greater empathy and understanding are needed to reduce these invisible barriers and encourage people to seek appropriate care,” she said.

Findings from the ACTION-Việt Nam study show that 79 per cent of people living with obesity encounter barriers in jobs that emphasise physical appearance, 62 per cent report being teased or discriminated against, and 54 per cent are perceived as obese due to laziness.

The economic impact is also substantial.

The World Obesity Federation’s World Obesity Atlas 2023 projects that direct healthcare costs related to obesity in Việt Nam could reach US$1.7 billion by 2035 — 3.4 times higher than in 2020.

The total economic burden is estimated at $16.3 billion, equivalent to around 2 per cent of GDP.

Erik Wiebols, general manager of Novo Nordisk Vietnam, speaks at the event, emphasising the role of cross-sector collaboration in improving chronic disease management.

Erik Wiebols, general manager of Novo Nordisk Vietnam, said public–private partnerships are key to driving positive change in the management of serious chronic diseases, including obesity.

“With our long-standing scientific heritage in obesity research and development, we are committed to supporting Việt Nam on its journey to defeat obesity, working alongside people living with obesity and the wider community in striving for healthier, fuller lives,” he said.

With around 20 million people nationwide who are overweight or obese, participants said addressing obesity requires closer coordination among policymakers, healthcare providers and communities to improve awareness, reduce stigma and ensure access to proper treatment

The event, jointly held by Novo Nordisk Vietnam and health-sector partners, brought together medical experts for in-depth discussions while offering community screening and outreach activities to promote early detection and informed care.

Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company focused on combating serious chronic diseases through scientific innovation and improved access to treatment.

Present in Việt Nam since 1992, and operating through Novo Nordisk Ltd. since 2022, the company partners with public and private sectors to improve access to treatments for diabetes, obesity, rare and other chronic diseases. — VNS