MYANMAR people need to be aware of the dangers of obesity even though it is not considered to be a major problem here as it is in many other parts of the world, said Dr Daw Khin Lay Gyi, head of Myanmar’s Association of Women Doctors.

The association held a seminar on obesity in Yangon late last month, the same week a survey in Malaysia revealed that 54 percent of its adult population was either obese or overweight, compared to 24.1 percent 10 years ago. And in Singapore, 24 percent of men and 48 percent of women are now overweight or obese, according to a report on AFP.

The American Heart Association defines obesity simply as too much body fat.
Dr Daw Khin Lay Gyi said that not only adults, but also some children, are now overweight in Myanmar.

“I have found that most women over 40 are getting overweight. Genes, food and some diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure make people fat, but especially their lifestyles contribute to the problem,” she said.

“In Myanmar, some people are very keen to spend time sitting in front of TV and doing nothing rather than doing activities. Eating junk food is also increasing today. It is one of the reasons people are getting fat.”

Dr Daw Khin Lay Gyi said when Myanmar people greet each other with the words “you look fat” it is generally meant to be a compliment, as they believe being a bit overweight is better than being slim. If someone is too thin, people often assume they are suffering from health problems.

“They should know that their body weight is very important for their health,” she said.

She also said people should know their Body Mass Index (BMI) and try to control their body weight all the time.

The prevalence of obesity is commonly assessed by using Body Mass Index (BMI), defined as the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in metres (kg/m²).

BMI values less than 18.5 are considered underweight, while those from 18.5 to 24.9 are normal. Being overweight is defined as having a BMI of 25.0 to less than 30.0, while those 30.0 and above indicate obesity.

Although Myanmar is not yet facing an obesity explosion like many other parts of the world, Dr Daw Khin Lay Gyi said preventative action should be taken like educating people about health problems associated with being overweight.

This was the goal of a discussion on women’s obesity held by the Association of Women Doctors at the Myanmar Medical Association’s headquarters in Yangon on September 24.

More than 500 people attended the event to listen to speakers – including Dr Daw Khin Lay Gyi, Professor Dr Daw Sann Mya, Dr Daw Phyu Phyu Aung and Dr Pandora Aung Gyi – discuss topics such as obesity, obesity and nutrition, and obesity and exercise.

Doctor Daw Khin Lay Gyi said she wants Myanmar women to know the causes of obesity and its effects. A person who is too fat is at higher risk of developing health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and strokes.

She said that to help prevent these diseases, people need to eat a healthier diet and exercise regularly.

One overweight woman who lives in Yangon said she faces other problems as well.

“I can’t wear most readymade clothes, I suffer from aching joints and I always feel pain in my heels when I walk or stand for a long time, because of my body weight,” she said.