Walk Against Obesity on World Obesity Day

In conjunction with World Obesity Day, which is observed around the world annually on 4th March, the Malaysian Medical Association (Perak) and Hospital Fatimah jointly organised the Walk Against Obesity event at Polo Ground (Taman Rekreasi Sultan Abdul Aziz) this morning.

Besides creating awareness among the community regarding health risks associated with obesity, the event brought forth conversations on the topic of obesity among attendees.

opening speech by Dr Satkunan Mark, Chairman of MMA Perak-cum-Consultant Bariatric Surgeon of Hospital Fatimah, Ipoh

It is disheartening that Malaysia has recorded the highest prevalence of obesity among adults in Southeast Asia. Based on the 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey, 50.1% of Malaysian adults were reported to be overweight (30.4%) or obese (19.7%), mostly caused by unhealthy eating habits plus a sedentary lifestyle.

launching gimmick (L-R): Dr Kumaresan Supramaniam (HRPB Bariatric Unit Head), Mr Peter Liew (Hospital Fatimah Chief Operating Officer), Dr Balachandran (representing MMA KL), Dr Jeyanthi Vengadasalam (Hospital Fatimah medical Director) & Dr Satkunan Mark (MMA Perak Chairman)

A person is classified as “obese” when his or her Body Mass Index (BMI) is above 30. For general information, BMI below 25 is normal, while 25 to 30 is overweight. As prevention is always better than cure, those who are obese have multiple avenues to try to reduce weight. These measures include intragastric balloon placement (a temporary treatment for four months), and oral or injectible medicine.

some of the participants of Walk Against Obesity

a young participant crosses the finishing line

Those whose BMI is above 37 may be advised to undergo bariatric surgery as a last resort, not only to reduce weight but also to reverse chronic medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. In addition to medical treatment, patients also have to make drastic lifestyle changes that would include a new diet plan and exercise regime.

an elated participant poses for a picture

breakfast pack for everyone who completes the walk

Walk Against Obesity attracted some 250 participants. There were four checkpoints along the 1.4km-long route around Polo Ground. Participants who completed the race received a breakfast pack. Meanwhile, visitors got free health screening/consultation during the meaningful event.

Dr Satkunan Mark, who is the Chairman of MMA Perak and also Consultant Bariatric Surgeon of Hospital Fatimah said, “We hope to bring to light awareness of obesity and the importance of uncontrolled weight gain. It is a worrying situation when those who are obese are getting younger and younger.” As a bariatric surgeon for the past five years, Dr Mark’s youngest patient so far was 22 years old. Bariatric surgery, as a last resort for weight loss, is only advised for those above 18 years old.