Obesity rates in Malaysia are projected to skyrocket inthecoming years, with a new report from the World Obesity Federation predicting that $41$ per cent

of the country$$s adults will be obese by $2035.$ The study warns that the trend could have seriousimplications for Malaysia$$s health care system and economy, as well as for the overall wellbeingof the population. Malaysia$$s current obesity rate among adults aged $18$ years and older is $19\mathrm{.}7$per cent, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey $($NHMS$)2019.$ That means thenational adult obesity rate is expected to more than double in about $12$ years

According to projections, overweight individuals will have a significant economic impact onMalaysia$$s GDP by $2035.$ The impact is expected to be $2\mathrm{.}8$ per cent of Malaysia$$s estimatedGDP of USD$714$ billion $($RM$3\mathrm{.}2$ trillion$),$ which equates to a staggering USD$20\mathrm{.}15$billion. Meanwhile, the health care impact of overweight individuals is estimated at USD$2\mathrm{.}19$ billion. World Obesity Federation president Prof Louise Baur said the $2023$ Atlas serves as aclearwarning that overlooking the issue of obesity today could lead to severe consequences inthefuture. $$It is particularly worrying to see obesity rates rising fastest among childrenandadolescents. Governments and policymakers around the world need to do all theycantoavoid passing health, social, and economic costs on to the younger generation.