Older Malaysians: Fighting Fat and Disease

Malaysia is getting older, and with age comes a bigger problem: diseases that won't spread from person to person. These are called noncommunicable diseases, or NCDs. One big reason for these diseases is being overweight. But how do we know if someone is too heavy? Two common ways are looking at body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR). BMI is a simple measure that uses height and weight. But as people get older, fat tends to move to the middle of the body. That's where WHR comes in. It measures the waist size compared to the hips. A higher WHR can mean more fat around the organs, which is worse for health. A recent study looked at over 2, 000 older Malaysians. It found that both BMI and WHR were linked to common NCDs like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. The study also found that having more than one of these diseases at the same time was more likely in people with higher BMI and WHR. This is important because it shows that both measures should be used in health check-ups. Focusing on central body fat could help prevent these diseases. But it's not just about the numbers. Lifestyle choices like diet and exercise also play a big role. The study highlights the need for better health strategies. As Malaysia's population ages, the burden of NCDs will only grow. But with the right tools and focus, it's a fight that can be won.