Obesity is officially classified by the World Health Organization as a chronic complex disease involving genetics, neurobiology, behavior, food access, market forces, and environment [1, 2]. In Singapore, the rate of overweight individuals has climbed from 10.5% in 2019-2020 to 12.7% in 2026. Experts attribute the rise to calorie-dense diets, sedentary lifestyles, and environmental factors [1, 2].
The BMI threshold for obesity among Asians is 27.5 kg/m², lower than Western benchmarks due to higher body fat and metabolic risks at lower weights [1, 2]. Waist circumference is also a key indicator of risk: above 90 cm for men and 80 cm for women points to dangerous visceral fat levels that increase the likelihood of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease [1, 2].
Obesity is linked to more than 50 conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, fatty liver, obstructive sleep apnea, and musculoskeletal problems [1, 2]. In Singapore, 80% to 90% of Type 2 diabetes patients are overweight or obese, with risk rising sharply alongside BMI [1, 2]. The extra weight places strain on knee, hip, ankle, and foot joints, reducing mobility and encouraging sedentary habits that worsen health outcomes [1, 2].
Dr Ester Yeoh of Aspen Diabetes & Endocrine Clinic said, "Obesity is harder to treat than many assume and what the latest therapies offer" [1].
The rising overweight rate reflects changing lifestyles and highlights the complexity of obesity as a chronic disease. Tracking key metrics like BMI and waist circumference remains vital for early intervention. The latest figures from 2026 mark a call for ongoing medical attention and public health strategies to address obesity’s multifaceted causes and consequences [1, 2].
