Website launched to raise public awareness about obesity

giamcansongkhoe.vn aims to provide a trusted channel for people to better understand obesity as a chronic disease, the science of obesity, and the burden of this disease.

It also provides useful digital tools that leverage reliable scientific resources from the VMA, encouraging people living with obesity to engage with health experts and contribute to combating the stigma they may face, and share and replicate the successful experiences of those who have practised and managed their weight scientifically and effectively.

Key content of the website includes facts about obesity being recognised as a chronic disease by many international societies and Vietnam’s Ministry of Health (MoH), and scientific data linking obesity with other diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea, skeletal and joint diseases, cancer, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.

Website homepage. Photo: Novo Nordisk Vietnam

Addressing the event, Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thi Xuyen, president of the VMA and former deputy health minister, highlighted, “Vietnam’s obesity prevalence has been increasing significantly over the past 10 years and there is a likelihood of this continuing in the next 10 years. It is estimated that by 2030, 30 per cent of the adult population and 40 per cent of children will be overweight or obese.”

“Obesity is a complex chronic disease, leading to an increased risk of type two diabetes, heart disease, bone health, and reproduction, it also increases the risk of certain cancers. Thanks to the support of Novo Nordisk Vietnam, such reliable websites provide a good channel for engaging people with obesity, and connecting them to HCOs for treatment,” she added.

Erik Wiebols, general manager of Novo Nordisk Vietnam, emphasised that with a legacy spanning over a century, Novo Nordisk has a long history of developing innovative treatments for chronic and rare diseases, with diabetes and obesity among its key therapeutic areas.

“I trust that this website will significantly raise awareness about the burden of obesity and the scientific management of the disease among the Vietnamese population. The launch of this website is a truly important step towards realizing our shared vision and dedication to make a difference in improving the lives of people living with obesity. Let’s come together to drive meaningful change and build a healthier world for future generations,” he said.

The obesity website will be frequently updated with scientific contents provided by reputable experts in obesity care and treatment across the country. It is anticipated that this platform will play a pivotal role in catalysing transformative efforts in the fight against obesity in Vietnam.

Vietnam is experiencing a 38 per cent increase in overweight and obesity rates, positioning it among the Southeast Asian nations with the fastest-growing rates.

The National Institute of Nutrition has reported that the obesity rate among urban youth in Ho Chi Minh City exceeds 50 per cent, while in Hanoi, it surpasses 41 per cent. Obesity is also linked to the top five leading causes of death in Vietnam, namely hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases.

Teen obesity tied to increased risk of pancreatic cancer Teen obesity has been linked with many health problems later in life, and a large Israeli study suggests increased risk for deadly pancreatic cancer is one of them.

Expanding fast food outlets place strain on obesity worry As international organisations are at pains to warn of an increasing obesity problem in Vietnam, the country’s fast food industry continues to swell despite mounting losses for some chains and difficulties in attempting to alter local eating norms.

Beverage tax is not be-all and end-all for obesity problems International experiences hint that applying an excise tax on sugary beverages is not an effective measure in controlling and reducing the rate of overweight, obesity, and non-communicable diseases.