Zuellig Pharma, a leading integrated healthcare solutions company in Asia, has launched the "Reduce Size, Reduce Disease" campaign to raise awareness about obesity, a major public health concern in Thailand affecting up to 48% of the total population?. The Ministry of Public Health classifies obesity as a non-communicable disease (NCD), recognizing the condition as a risk factor for chronic health issues such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Ms. Sunaiyanaa Kidkasetpaisal, General Manager of Zuellig Pharma, stated that "The launch of the 'Reduce Size, Reduce Disease' campaign marks a valuable opportunity for us, as it coincides with a scientific conference for doctors and healthcare professionals. This platform allows us to exchange knowledge and explore new innovations in the treatment and management of obesity. The primary goal of this campaign is to raise awareness among Thais that obesity is not merely a matter of appearance or aesthetics as it is a medical condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment. Obesity is a serious disease that can lead to a number of chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and high cholesterol. We aim to emphasize the importance of reducing body size, whether it be weight, waist circumference, or body mass index (BMI), to within a healthy range. This is a crucial first step in lowering the risk of developing more severe, long-term illnesses in the future."
Dr. Smith Arayasakul, a specialist in preventive medicine and lifestyle medicine, shared his perspective on the obesity situation in Thailand and offered approaches to managing obesity and weight control, stating "Currently, many Thais are overweight or obese without realizing it. A BMI over 25 increases the risk of developing numerous complications in various body systems. Furthermore, many patients often seek treatment only after complications have already arisen. A better approach to this situation would be 'addressing the root causes' rather than waiting for the consequences."
"Weight management should be viewed as a form of disease prevention. Sharing accurate guidance and access to holistic care approaches, ranging from lifestyle behaviors to the appropriate medical interventions, can genuinely reduce long-term health burdens."
"We must shift our healthcare approach from reactive to proactive. Every time we help a patient 'reduce size' safely, we also help 'reduce disease' before it occurs," Dr Smith concluded.
Ms. Nuttanicha "Nycha" Dungwattanawanich, an actress and model, shared "These days, I take good care of myself by choosing what's best for myself along and getting plenty of exercise, especially outdoor activities as I find them the most enjoyable. My secret to beauty, a good figure, and looking good from the inside out is that I always make time for outdoor activities. I give my all to work, but I also commit to exercising properly, getting enough rest, and eating nutritious food. As my work can be rather physically demanding, if I'm not strong, I wouldn't have the energy to work from morning till night. Balancing drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, and exercising during a seven-day work week is challenging, but I'm determined to manage it. I'm thrilled to support the 'Reduce Size - Reduce Disease' campaign. I hope more Thais will prioritize their health to stay strong and disease-free."
References
- Division of Non-communicable Disease, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health