Nearly 20% of Viet Nam’s population are living with obesity

Data from the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) showed that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school-aged children and adolescents (5–19 years) rose from 8.5 percent in 2010 to 19 percent in 2020.

In urban areas, the obesity rate reached 26.8 percent, significantly higher than the 18.3 percent recorded in rural areas. Of particular concern, the obesity rate among adolescents has exceeded 50 percent in Ho Chi Minh City and surpassed 41 percent in Ha Noi.

Obesity - one of major risk factors for serious chronic diseases

Obesity is one of the major risk factors for serious chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Associate Professor, MD, PhD Tran Quang Nam, Head of the Endocrinology Department at University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City, stated: "Obesity is a complex chronic disease associated with metabolic disorders, not merely an issue of lifestyle or appearance. When BMI exceeds 25 kg/m², individuals should proactively consult healthcare professionals to develop a scientific and safe approach to weight and health management, thereby reducing the risk of complications."

According to a recent report published by market research company Decision Lab, among more than 1,000 Vietnamese respondents, 83 percent of respondents recognize obesity as a disease that can cause many chronic diseases, yet early intervention is hindered by normalized sedentary lifestyles, delayed health consequences, and deep-rooted cultural beliefs.

"Beyond the health and financial burden, people living with obesity often experience psychological pressure and emotional distress caused by stigma from others and self-blame," shared Ms. Pham Thi Minh Chau, MSc, Department of Psychiatry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City. "Therefore, greater empathy and understanding are needed to help reduce stigma, boost confidence, and motivate individuals to manage their weight and health more effectively."

According to the Action Viet Nam study, people living with overweight or obesity face significant social stigma. Seventy-nine percent encounter barriers in jobs that emphasize physical appearance; 62 percent report being teased or discriminated against; and 54 percent are perceived as obese due to laziness. Meanwhile, individuals with obesity often spend two to five years attempting to manage their weight on their own before seeking support from doctors or healthcare professionals.

Previously, the World Obesity Atlas 2023 projected that direct healthcare costs related to obesity in Viet Nam would reach US$1.269 billion by 2035 - an increase of 3.4 times compared with 2020 (US$ 372 million). The report also estimated that the total economic burden of obesity could reach USD 16.282 billion, accounting for 2 percent of Viet Nam's GDP in 2035.

Novo Nordisk drives action to defeat obesity in Viet Nam

In recognition of the World Obesity Day (on March 4), Novo Nordisk Viet Nam Co., Ltd., in collaboration with public–private partners, is implementing a range of activities to raise awareness of obesity and encourage healthy lifestyle practices to help prevent and defeat obesity in Viet Nam.

Mr. Erik Wiebols, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Viet Nam, emphasized: "At Novo Nordisk, we believe that 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 Viet Nam on its journey to defeat obesity, working alongside people living with obesity and the wider community in striving for healthier, fuller lives."

He added that "Each of us has a role to play in building a world where obesity is understood as a serious chronic disease rather than stigmatized - a world that prioritizes prevention, supports people living with obesity, listens to their voices, and enables access to evidence-based healthcare, toward healthier lives for all."

Measures taken to prevent and treat obesity will benefit everyone. That is why there are 20 million reasons to act for 20 million people in Viet Nam currently living with obesity - in support of World Obesity Day, he finalized.

Activities in support for the Day included a communications campaign conducted in collaboration with the Viet Nam Medical Association to raise public awareness of obesity through public channels and the website GiamCanSongKhoe.vn and obesity awareness and screening activities, including body composition measurement and analysis using InBody machines, along with engaging physical activities for the public at Deutscher Haus in Ho Chi Minh City./.