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In 2025, MASO concentrated on initiatives centred on national advocacy and policy implementation, aligned with Malaysia’s health priorities and regional strategies. 

The Malaysian Association for the Study of Obesity (MASO), established in 1994, is Malaysia’s leading professional organisation addressing obesity. MASO advances research on the causes, impact, prevention, and management of obesity, promotes awareness among healthcare professionals and the public, and collaborates with government, industry, and international partners to support healthy lifestyles. The association also plays a key role in shaping national policies and initiatives to reduce and manage obesity, serving as a bridge between researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and the community.

This year, a key milestone was the successful launch and rollout of the national policy framework, Strategies for the Prevention of Obesity in Malaysia (SPOM) 2024: Expert Review and Recommendations, 2nd Edition, which outlines concrete, systemic actions to combat Malaysia’s high obesity rates

MASO Scientific Conference on Obesity 2025

Held from 1-2 October 2025 at the Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, the conference gathered 119 registered participants. The theme, 'Transforming Systems for Sustainable Obesity Prevention,' shifted the focus beyond individual behaviour change to the broader systems and policies that influence public health. Discussions centred on a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach.

Key scientific sessions included:

Policy and Governance:

• Plenary Lecture 1: 'Upending Systems to Prevent Obesity: Radical or Realistic Policy Prescriptions?'
• Symposium 1: 'Aligning Policy Levers for Sustainable Obesity Prevention in Malaysia.'

Healthcare Systems Redesign:

• Plenary Lecture 2: 'Evaluating Purchase and Health Outcomes Changes from SuperSNAP in North Carolina, USA.'
• Symposium 4: 'Rethinking Healthcare Systems by Integrating Obesity Management.'

These sessions provided a solid scientific foundation for MASO’s ongoing public health and community programs.

Obesity Week Malaysia (OWM) 2025

OWM 2025, held from March 3 to 16, 2025, under the theme 'Changing Systems, Healthier Lives,' achieved exceptional digital outreach. Social media content reached up to 28,000 viewers, while three expert-led webinars, hosted via Zoom and Facebook Live, brought credible health information to a wider public audience.

7-Day Walk the Fast Ramadan Challenge

This creative initiative encouraged physical activity during Ramadan and attracted 136 participants. The top finishers recorded impressive distances of 208.3 km (Muslim category) and 81.7 km (non-Muslim category).

Program Intervensi Pengurusan Berat Badan Putrajaya Sihat Sejahtera (PBB PSS)

MASO continues to serve as a key NGO partner for PBB PSS, a structured six-month weight management programme for civil servants aimed at achieving at least a 5% reduction in body weight. A total of 81 participants (61 physical and 20 virtual) enrolled in August 2025, with the programme concluding in early 2026.

The PBB PSS adopts a comprehensive behavioural-change approach that includes baseline and post-programme health assessments (BMI, body fat percentage, blood pressure, and biochemical markers), personalised goal setting, educational workshops, and group support sessions. Topics covered include nutrition, calorie management, meal planning, physical activity, and behaviour modification techniques. The programme is led by MOH nutritionists and fitness instructors, with support from several MASO Council Members.

Regional and International Engagement

MASO members have been actively involved in regional and international conferences. In 2025, MASO participated in the International Congress on Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome (ICOMES) 2025 and the SOMS International Conference on Obesity & Metabolism (SICOM) 2025 in Seoul, South Korea, as well as the Asian Congress of Obesity (AOCO) 2025 in New Delhi, India.

Conclusion and Planning for 2026

The accomplishments of 2025 mark not an endpoint but a new foundation for MASO’s ongoing work. With the successful translation of advocacy into national policy and strengthened engagement with regional and global health networks, MASO is well-positioned to advance the next phase of public health transformation. Building on the momentum of the SPOM 2024 launch and key strategic partnerships, MASO will continue to champion the adoption of evidence-based policies and strive toward better prevention, treatment, and care for individuals affected by obesity in Malaysia and beyond.

For 2026, MASO is planning to celebrate Obesity Day by organising a national-level 'Fun Walk and Run' to promote healthy weight among the community. MASO will also continue its Obesity Week activities, including scientific updates for professionals and health promotion initiatives such as public webinars for the community.