Obesity (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2)  by region, the prevalence of obesity is highest in the Central Region and Bangkok, followed by the South, while the Northeast and North have similar proportions.

Figure 2: Obesity by Region

Thailand ranked third in terms of obesity, behind only Brunei and Malaysia　in ASEAN region.

Thailand ranks at the top of ASEAN has the highest obesity rate in adults[SH2.1][ST2.2], ranking 3rd in ASEAN. After Brunei and Malaysia.

According to a report from  the WHO, Thailand is entering an "obesity epidemic", like many other countries.

The first three countries are Brunei, Malaysia and Thailand, respectively.

Figure 3 Incidence of obesity in each ASEAN country.

Projected costs of obesity in Thailand

Obesity is a problem that severely affects Thailand's economy, not only as a health problem but also as a direct and indirect financial burden.

Direct costs, such as the cost of treatment for obesity-related diseases. It was estimated in 2019 that it was up to 280,000 million baht. Or 1.5% of GDP, while indirect costs, such as absence and premature death, are worth more than 6,500 million baht. In 2012 and the trend continues to increase.

Figure 4 Total cost of expenditure per capita ( in 2019 US dollars)

The problem of obesity in Thailand and ASEAN countries has been increasing steadily over the years. This is mainly due to changes in consumption and lifestyle habits.

1.  Inappropriate food consumption

consume high-energy foods such as fried foods. Processed foods More sweets, sweets, and fast food. Meanwhile, the consumption of fruits and vegetables tends to decrease.

2.  Lack of physical activity

most people have little physical activity. Living a more sedentary lifestyle, especially among urban and working people.

3.  Urban lifestyle and marketing

Urbanization and technology have resulted in people having access to convenient food, but lack of nutritional control, as well as widespread advertising of unhealthy foods

4.  Psychological factors and stress behaviors

Stress, insufficient rest and depression affect the behavior of eating more than necessary

Obesity is a health problem that is aggravating in Thailand and ASEAN countries. Especially among children and youth. Thailand has the third highest rate of obesity  in ASEAN, and among adults, more than one-third   are overweight or obese.

Figure 5 Information from : World Health Organization

Solutions to the problem of obesity at the Thai government level , Year 2025

In 2025, the Thai government focused on the prevention and control of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including obesity, with the main goal of reducing the premature death rate from NCDs  to no more than 11  percent by 2027.

The key measures taken are as follows:

•    Promote changes in people's health behaviors

such as choosing all 5  food groups. Increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables, reduce starch, sugar, fat, and avoid alcoholic beverages.

•     Increase physical activity to encourage people to exercise regularly. To control weight and reduce the risk of obesity.

In terms of policy.

•   The government has Pushing the Non-Communicable Diseases Bill to systematically control NCDs. There are clear and sustainable health protection measures.

•     In addition, it also encourages educational institutions to develop canteens into "Healthy Canteens" to cultivate good consumption habits from childhood.

Currently, the problem of obesity in Thailand is continuously increasing, with the main cause being a change in lifestyle that focuses more on convenience, resulting in people having less physical activity, while access to high-energy foods such as processed foods, sweetened water and fast food is easy, especially when there is a lack of knowledge about proper nutrition.

In addition, food advertising and marketing that focuses on attractiveness often targets children and young people continuously. Obesity is therefore a problem that is caused by many factors that are linked both at the individual, family and social level. Solving this problem should therefore be carried out in a systematic and sustainable manner, relying on cooperation from all sectors.

References

1.      https://www.hsri.or.th/printed-matter/399

2.      https://data.who.int/indicators/i/C6262EC/BEFA58B?m49=096

3.      https://secretary.prd.go.th/th/content/category/detail/id/9/iid/370261

4.       https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8487190/