The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that Malaysia has the highest rate of obesity and overweight among Asian countries. There is an increasing trend in obesity from 11.9% (2015) to 14.8% (2019), according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, bodyweight perception, and associated factors of overweight and obesity among rural communities in Northern Borneo. This cross-sectional study was conducted in one village in Northern Borneo. Adults from 18 to 69 years of age (n = 165) were included in the survey, and data were collected by interview or self-administered questionnaires. Measurements of weight and height were done for body-mass-index (BMI) calculation. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the village was 71.5%. Kappa statistic indicated only a slight agreement between perceived and actual body weight status (k = 0.163, 95% CI = −0.156 to 0.482, p < 0.000). There were higher odds of being overweight and obese among the middle-aged group (35 – 55 years old) than the younger group (<35 years old) (OR = 3.575; 95% CI: 1.667, 7.667; p < 0.05) and among the married adults than the unmarried adults (OR = 2.196; 95% CI: 1.057, 4.565; p < 0.05). Although age and marital status are non-modifiable factors of overweight and obesity, this research indicated poor consistency between perceived and actual body weight with kappa statistics. The large magnitude of body weight misperception might contribute to overweight and obesity in the rural community.
Obesity has become a global health issue, not to mention Malaysia, which topped over the list of countries in Asia. On World Health Day in 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that 64% of the male population and 65% of the female population in Malaysia are either obese or overweight1. The ringing of alarm is tremendously loud in the silence. Depending on each of us, this can be an issue that we laugh over or a kind but severe urge for us to take a step backwards, observe, and self-reflect.
Acne vulgaris is one of the recognized skin issues among adolescents, though occasionally it may persist through adulthood. Though being popularly known to the communities, its impact on the patients is often less recognized, minimized or worse neglected. Acne vulgaris can cause an ample amount of psychological stress among the affected individuals which may increase the likelihood of psychiatric comorbidity. Depression is one of the psychiatric burdens associated with acne vulgaris. Therefore, it is considered more than a skin disorder. Instead of perceiving it as normal, it should be recognized as one of the most prevalent skin disorders which need early treatment to prevent exacerbation and also avoid permanent scarring.
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