Obesity, poor mental health of concern; progress in other areas: S'pore health survey

Residents in Singapore are generally getting healthier and more health-conscious, with the prevalence of some major ailments dipping or stabilising, and screening rates and physical activity levels bouncing back from the Covid-19 pandemic health slump.

- Yap Wei Qiang Correspondent

Obesity rates and poor mental health, however, “demand urgent and collective attention”, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on Oct 17. This is especially so when it comes to younger adults.

According to the latest National Population Health Survey (NPHS), obesity rates have risen to 12.7 per cent in 2023-2024, up from 10.5 per cent four years earlier. Worse, the rate has almost doubled among those aged 18 to 29, from 6.6 per cent to 11.6 per cent over the same period. “This is a worrying sign of how modern lifestyles - busier, more sedentary, and digitally driven - are heightening health risks,” said Mr Ong, speaking at the SingHealth Polyclinics’ (SHP) 25th anniversary dinner, where he shared the latest survey results.

Moreover, about 15 per cent of residents report poor mental health. Among those aged 18 to 29 the proportion is higher, at about one in four — the highest among all age groups.

The 2024 NPHS reports on the health, risk factors and lifestyle practices of Singapore residents aged between 18 and 74 years old, tracked through household interviews from July 2023 to June 2024. It also looks at obesity and chronic disease prevalence measured as part of health examinations from July 2022 to August 2024.

To tackle obesity and its accompanying health problems, and help more people prevent chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has implemented various measures, including the NutriGrade labelling requirements on prepackaged and freshly prepared beverages, spurring the development of healthier options.

MOH will extend these requirements to key contributors of sodium and saturated fat, including prepacked salt, sauces, seasonings, instant noodles and cooking oil, from mid-2027.