Health Stretched Waistbands: Bangkok Tops Obesity Charts

[webfact]

File photo courtesy of Wikipedia

 

A staggering 56% of Bangkok's residents are grappling with abdominal obesity, a figure starkly contrasting with a national average of 39.4%. This jarring statistic was highlighted by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, underscoring a growing health concern in the bustling capital.

 

With Bangkokians boasting higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease compared to their provincial counterparts, this issue poses a major public health challenge.

 

During a major non-communicable disease (NCD) event in Bangkok, the minister elaborated on the alarming rise in health issues related to lifestyle choices in the city.

 

A recent health study unveiled scary figures: 12.5% of the population in Bangkok suffer from diabetes compared to just 9.5% countrywide. Such disparities underscore the urgent need for targeted health interventions in the capital.

 

The issue of NCDs is not one to be ignored, as it not only impacts individual quality of life but also places a burgeoning burden on health care systems. As urbanisation and fast-paced city life prevail, the health repercussions are felt deeply among Bangkokians. Addressing these concerns could have substantial benefits for the nation's overall health and wellbeing.

 

Efforts to control NCDs must focus not only on treating these illnesses but also on encouraging healthier lifestyle choices. Public health campaigns and programmes geared towards promoting physical activity and balanced diets are now paramount. The health ministry is keen on not only raising awareness but also implementing practical measures to curb this worrying trend.

 

This situation, now taking centre stage in Thailand's health conversation, spotlights the need for a cohesive approach to urban health challenges. The nation watches closely as Bangkok takes steps to combat this trend and improve the health prospects of its residents.

 

   Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-19

 

 

 

[Harrisfan]

Photo shows a white girl

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

A staggering 56% of Bangkok's residents are grappling with abdominal obesity, a figure starkly contrasting with a national average of 39.4%. This jarring statistic was highlighted by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, underscoring a growing health concern in the bustling capital.

 

Thais love affair with sugar... give it another 10 years and see the diabetes figures soar.

[gejohesch]

2 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Thais love affair with sugar... give it another 10 years and see the diabetes figures soar.

Yes, sugar everywhere. Disgusting! 

[newbee2022]

4 hours ago, Harrisfan said:

Photo shows a white girl

Yeah, A whiter shade of pale 😂

[diveasia666]

carbs, extra sugar and deep frying... no rocket science.

[Nickcage49]

Well they've got that going for them.

 

I remember when I first came to Thailand 25 years ago. Almost no Thais were overweight.

 

You can thank my lovely America for exporting all the crap Thais now enjoy.

[lordgrinz]

5 minutes ago, diveasia666 said:

carbs, extra sugar and deep frying... no rocket science.

 

Yup, 10 Lbs of rice, 1 ounce of meat and very little vegetables. Cook it in greasy pan and add sugar, I can eat healthier Thai dishes in American than I can here.

[NorthernRyland]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

A staggering 56% of Bangkok's residents are grappling with abdominal obesity

 

No more fried chicken for breakfast guys!

 

[khunPer]

Higher minimum wages equals larger waist, a scientific study found about a decade ago. Seems right when looking at Southeast Asian countries, where more sweets and so-called junk food enters the market when more funds are available for spending...

[Jack Bieser]

Maybe that's why I feel so bloated When I visit Thailand.

[hotsun]

6 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

 

Yup, 10 Lbs of rice, 1 ounce of meat and very little vegetables. Cook it in greasy pan and add sugar, I can eat healthier Thai dishes in American than I can here.

For 10x the price

[NickyLouie]

I no like phatties, it's not nice 

 

 

[Luuk Chaai]

16 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Thais love affair with sugar... give it another 10 years and see the diabetes figures soar.

that's only the reported guestimate ..

 I'll bet that 50% of the nation is insulin resistant to boot ( pre diabetic )

rice/sugar  noodles/sugar  sugar/sugar bad seed oils colas and bubble teas ..      etc etc

[KhunLA]

17 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Yeah, A whiter shade of pale 😂

Along with all the blonde haired Thais ... 

[NK012]

Kidney failure and pleural edema... not a fun way to go. But man those noodles were flavored Perfectly every time.

 

Govt needs a health kick in the pants. There needs to be a healthy living mandate with all kinds of programs in schools and society, etc. Laws need to be enacted to save ppl from them selves a bit maybe...  its too much.  But then if poor, what foods can you afford? Low quality ones.  Stopping corruption would be a good start to improving the economy. .. Which would in turn allow  people to buy better food

[Muhendis]

16 hours ago, khunPer said:

Higher minimum wages equals larger waist, a scientific study found about a decade ago.

And yet the super rich are not necessarily the most obese.

I think it has less to do with money and more to do with education.

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, Luuk Chaai said:

that's only the reported guestimate ..

 I'll bet that 50% of the nation is insulin resistant to boot ( pre diabetic )

rice/sugar  noodles/sugar  sugar/sugar bad seed oils colas and bubble teas ..      etc etc

When you witness what Thais of all ages eat on a regular daily basis, it's frightening.

[Bangkok Black]

14 hours ago, Jack Bieser said:

Maybe that's why I feel so bloated When I visit Thailand.

yep

cheap seed oil

MSG

sugar

 

all used to make those thai dishes you like

[jas007]

39 minutes ago, Bangkok Black said:

yep

cheap seed oil

MSG

sugar

 

all used to make those thai dishes you like

Apparently, all of the above only gained widespread use in the so-called industrial age, with the exception of sugar, although the refined sugar in use today is something everyone should stay away from..  

 

Before the advent of cheap seed oil, Thais used concoct oil for cooking, primarily. A much healthier alternative.

 

MSG was introduced in the 1940s.

 

As for sugar?  There are different types of sugar, but today's refined sugar is probably the worst.

 

Anyway, it's all very much an unhealthy way to eat, and it's no wonder people are developing an obesity problem.  

 

The problem isn't limited to Thailand.  The USA currently has a huge obesity epidemic, along with skyrocketing rates of diseases.  It can all be blamed on junk food, for the most part.  Cheap junk food to feed the masses..

 

RFK, Jr. is trying to put a stop to some of the abuses, but he's up against powerful interests that make money feeding people junk and that make money keeping people sick and in need of treatment and medication. 

[Kwausie]

My girlfriend was skinny when i meet here, it didnt take long for her to pile on the fat.

[khunPer]

8 hours ago, Muhendis said:

And yet the super rich are not necessarily the most obese.

I think it has less to do with money and more to do with education.

Please note that I wrote "minimum wages"; rich people are for long time way above that level...