Obesity Management in Peninsular Malaysia: Are the services meeting community needs?

Malaysia has the highest obesity prevalence in the Southeast Asian region, with half of the adult population having excess body weight. Guided by pragmatism, this PhD explores patients’ and health practitioners’ perspectives on obesity and obesity management in Peninsular Malaysia. The studies found discrepancies between patients' needs and practitioners' perspectives on obesity management in Malaysia. Patients appreciate practitioner-initiated weight discussions, and need more effective and motivational communication from healthcare practitioners. In contrast, practitioners feel that patients lack the motivation to lose weight. Obesity management in Malaysia warrants consideration of a shift from the current weight-centred approach to a health-centred approach.