Health is often seen as a reflection of a nation’s habits — from what’s served on its dinner tables to how its people move through their daily lives.
Some countries seem to strike a balance between tradition and well-being, while others grapple with rising health concerns like obesity. But what exactly shapes these differences?
Why M’sia has higher obesity rates than Vietnam
This question inspired a foreign traveller, Alex from the UK, to investigate firsthand. Intrigued by Malaysia’s reputation as the country with the highest obesity rate in ASEAN, Alex compared it to Vietnam, where the obesity rate is just 2%.
In a TikTok video posted by @alexwandersyt, he documented his eye-opening journey, shedding light on the stark contrasts between the two nations — from Vietnam’s healthy practices to Malaysia’s staggering 54% obesity rate.
Vietnam’s 2% obesity rate
Alex started his journey in Vietnam, where the obesity rate is just 2%. He was impressed by the country’s food culture, which emphasises fresh ingredients and balanced meals.
“Low in calories, packed with veggies and full of lean proteins,” he described.
He also observed how active the locals were, even in the early hours of the morning.
“By 6 AM, people are already at the beach. You’ll see crowds of people jogging, running and doing yoga,” Alex shared.
Malaysia’s 54% obesity rate: A culture rooted in convenience and calories
Upon arriving in Malaysia, Alex was surprised by the stark difference in lifestyle and eating habits. He described Malaysia’s obesity rate as “insane,” attributing it to the abundance of fast food, sugary drinks, and processed snacks.
“They even add sugar to salads,” Alex remarked.
Alex also noted Malaysia’s lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, calling it the least walkable country he had ever visited. Crossing the streets of Kuala Lumpur was particularly challenging, creating a frustrating experience for tourists.
Speaking to WeirdKaya, Alex elaborated on his experiences and observations.
“What surprised me most about Vietnam was something I didn’t even realise until I visited Malaysia — the stark difference in homelessness. In Vietnam’s major cities, you see very few homeless people. The people are very hardworking; they’d rather sell fruit from a wheelbarrow than beg. Of course, there are still homeless people, but not as many as I expected.”
“In contrast, walking around Kuala Lumpur, I was shocked by the number of homeless individuals, especially those with young children or visible deformities. It was heartbreaking to see, and what surprised me was that none of them seemed to be taking steps to improve their situation.”
On Malaysia’s walkability, Alex shared his frustrations:
“From traveling across Malaysia, from KL to Georgetown to Cameron Highlands and back, it’s clear how car-centric this country is. It’s tricky to navigate as a tourist on foot. KL has trains, but even there, open drains with bad smells, long wait times at crossings, and the presence of homeless people make walking unpleasant.”
He added, however, “KL is also one of the greenest cities I’ve ever visited — very beautiful in certain areas.”
‘Malaysian food is extremely tasty but very unhealthy‘
When asked about food, Alex didn’t hold back:
“Malaysian food is extremely tasty but very unhealthy. Dishes like nasi lemak, deep-fried rotis, burgers, and curries are everywhere. It’s tough to find healthy food, and when you do, it’s expensive. It’s a similar problem we have in the UK, where cheap food is often unhealthy.”
As for drinks, he noted:
“Everything has added sugar. Sometimes, we’d ask for no sugar, and the staff would look at us like we were crazy. But I must admit, the bubble tea here is amazing — I couldn’t resist it!”
Reflecting on Vietnam, Alex highlighted habits other countries could learn from:
“In Vietnam, it’s normal to head to the beach at 6 AM and see crowds of people jogging, running, and doing yoga. It motivates you to join in and live a healthy lifestyle. Their food is also incredibly fresh and low in calories, with dishes like pho and summer rolls being staples.”
Watch the clip here:
