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Background <p>Obesity remains a major and growing public health challenge in Malaysia. This study examined obesity-related perceptions, attitudes, and care practices among Malaysian healthcare professionals (HCP) and decision-makers (HDM), within the multinational Obesity Policy Engagement Network (OPEN) Models of Care survey.</p> Methods <p>This subgroup analysis involved 150 HCP and 53 HDM who responded to questions assessing recognition of obesity as a chronic disease, attitudes toward people with obesity (PwO), and views on system capacity and policy priorities. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and reported as percentages.</p> Results <p>Only 27% (<i>n</i> = 55) of respondents recognized obesity as a chronic disease. Notably, 54% of HCP and 51% of HDM acknowledged holding biases against PwO. Although 65% of HCP and 60% of HDM agreed that PwO deserve equal respect, care, and treatment, over half of both groups believed obesity to be the patients’ personal choice and responsibility. Only 56% of HCP and 45% of HDM considered existing obesity services to be adequate. Patient support groups were ranked least important in obesity policy development.</p> Conclusions <p>The findings highlight persistent misconceptions, stigma, and fragmented perceptions among HCP and HDM in Malaysia. A coordinated, system-level approach that recognizes obesity as a chronic disease is essential to improving outcomes for PwO and shaping inclusive, evidence-based policies.</p>

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Perceptions of obesity among healthcare professionals in Malaysia: a subgroup analysis of the OPEN Models of Care survey

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月12日

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  • Rohana Abdul Ghani,
  • Firdaus Mukhtar,
  • Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof,
  • Zubaidah Nor Hanipah

摘要

Background

Obesity remains a major and growing public health challenge in Malaysia. This study examined obesity-related perceptions, attitudes, and care practices among Malaysian healthcare professionals (HCP) and decision-makers (HDM), within the multinational Obesity Policy Engagement Network (OPEN) Models of Care survey.

Methods

This subgroup analysis involved 150 HCP and 53 HDM who responded to questions assessing recognition of obesity as a chronic disease, attitudes toward people with obesity (PwO), and views on system capacity and policy priorities. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and reported as percentages.

Results

Only 27% (n = 55) of respondents recognized obesity as a chronic disease. Notably, 54% of HCP and 51% of HDM acknowledged holding biases against PwO. Although 65% of HCP and 60% of HDM agreed that PwO deserve equal respect, care, and treatment, over half of both groups believed obesity to be the patients’ personal choice and responsibility. Only 56% of HCP and 45% of HDM considered existing obesity services to be adequate. Patient support groups were ranked least important in obesity policy development.

Conclusions

The findings highlight persistent misconceptions, stigma, and fragmented perceptions among HCP and HDM in Malaysia. A coordinated, system-level approach that recognizes obesity as a chronic disease is essential to improving outcomes for PwO and shaping inclusive, evidence-based policies.