Vietnam’s Obesity Epidemic: Alarming Growth and Public Health Implications
Vietnam is facing a dramatic surge in overweight and obesity rates, with a 38% increase placing the country among Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing nations for obesity prevalence. This trend, highlighted by Associate Professor Nguyen Anh Tuan, director of the digestive surgery department at 108 Central Military Hospital, signals a significant public health challenge that extends far beyond aesthetics. The consequences of obesity are severe, contributing to a range of chronic diseases and threatening to overwhelm Vietnam’s healthcare system.
Obesity is now recognized globally as a chronic, progressive disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified it as a global epidemic, and Vietnam is not immune to its effects. The National Institute of Nutrition reports that the rate of overweight and obesity among school-aged children (5 to 19 years old) more than doubled in a decade, rising from 8.5% in 2010 to 19% in 2020. Urban areas are particularly affected, with prevalence rates reaching 26.8%, compared to 18.3% in rural regions. In major cities, the numbers are even more alarming: over 50% of urban youth in Ho Chi Minh City are overweight or obese, and in Hanoi, the figure exceeds 41%.
Obesity’s impact is not limited to physical health. It is a major risk factor for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, various cancers, depression, infertility, complications during pregnancy and childbirth, and sleep disorders. The rapid rise in obesity rates is also putting immense pressure on Vietnam’s healthcare infrastructure, which must now adapt to manage the growing burden of chronic, non-communicable diseases.
Why Are Obesity Rates Rising So Quickly in Vietnam?
The causes of Vietnam’s obesity epidemic are complex and multifaceted. Economic growth, urbanization, and changing lifestyles have all contributed to the problem. As incomes rise and cities expand, more Vietnamese are adopting sedentary habits, consuming calorie-dense fast food, and spending less time engaged in physical activity. These shifts are particularly pronounced among children and adolescents, who are increasingly exposed to processed foods and sugary beverages.
Scientific studies confirm these trends. A meta-analysis published in 2023 found that the proportion of obesity among Vietnamese school-aged children was 13.08%, with boys (17.5%) more affected than girls (8.07%). The study also identified low maternal education as a significant risk factor, suggesting that family environment and parental knowledge play a crucial role in shaping children’s health behaviors.
Vietnam’s rapid urbanization has also led to a “double burden” of malnutrition: while some children continue to suffer from stunting and undernutrition, others are becoming overweight or obese. This paradox is especially evident in urban centers, where access to high-calorie foods is easy, but opportunities for physical activity are limited.
Obesity’s Health Consequences: More Than Just Weight
Obesity is far more than a cosmetic concern. It is a chronic disease with serious health consequences. According to the WHO, obesity significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, and musculoskeletal disorders. In Vietnam, the prevalence of diabetes has almost doubled in the past decade, with one in every 20 adults now living with the disease. The number of people with pre-diabetes is three times higher, and complications such as heart attacks, kidney failure, and blindness are common among diabetic patients.
Obesity also affects mental health, contributing to depression and social stigma. Many people living with obesity (PwO) experience discrimination and embarrassment, which can discourage them from seeking medical help or engaging in healthy behaviors. This stigma is a significant barrier to effective obesity management and must be addressed as part of any comprehensive public health strategy.
Healthcare Response: Shifting from Weight Loss to Chronic Disease Management
Vietnam’s healthcare system is beginning to recognize obesity as a chronic, progressive disease that requires long-term, multidisciplinary management. The ACTION-Vietnam Study, published in April 2025, surveyed 1,000 adults living with obesity and 200 healthcare professionals (HCPs) to better understand perceptions, attitudes, and barriers in obesity care. The study revealed several critical insights:
- Obesity is increasingly recognized as a chronic disease by both patients and healthcare providers.
- There are significant gaps in communication: 40% of doctors are reluctant to discuss weight, and nearly 50% of patients feel embarrassed when asked about it.
- Most patients believe weight loss is entirely their responsibility, but only a small fraction achieve and maintain significant weight loss.
- Healthcare providers often prefer lifestyle advice over prescribing anti-obesity medications, and only 16.6% regularly prescribe such treatments.
Dr. Georgia Rigas, an internationally renowned obesity specialist, emphasizes that “obesity management does not equal weight loss.” For decades, medical education focused on treating the complications of obesity rather than preventing them. She advocates for a proactive approach that includes early screening, identifying root causes, and using evidence-based therapies. Dr. Rigas explains:
“Obesity is a chronic, progressive disease – not due to an individual’s lack of willpower. Like other chronic progressive diseases, obesity management is best delivered via an integrated multi-disciplinary approach.”
Associate Professor Tuan, co-author of the ACTION-Vietnam Study, highlights the need for better communication between doctors and patients:
“Obesity is a chronic disease, a point that has not been deeply addressed by many local studies. Research shows a big gap in communication between doctors and patients, with 40% of doctors reluctant to mention weight and nearly 50% of patients feeling embarrassed when asked, which directly affects the effectiveness of treatment.”
Innovations and Initiatives: Raising Awareness and Improving Care
Recognizing the urgent need for action, Vietnam’s Ministry of Health, hospitals, universities, and professional associations are collaborating with global leaders like Novo Nordisk to reshape the nation’s approach to obesity care. Novo Nordisk, known for its expertise in diabetes and chronic disease management, is working to raise public awareness, reduce stigma, and strengthen healthcare provider capacity.
One notable initiative is the launch of giamcansongkhoe.vn, a website developed by the Vietnam Medical Association and Novo Nordisk Vietnam. The platform provides reliable information about obesity as a chronic disease, offers digital tools like BMI calculators, and connects individuals with healthcare organizations specializing in obesity management. The site also shares success stories and practical advice, aiming to inspire and empower people living with obesity to seek help and make sustainable changes.
Associate Professor Nguyen Thi Xuyen, President of the Vietnam Medical Association, underscores the importance of such initiatives:
“Obesity is a complex chronic disease, leading to increased risks of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, bone health issues, reproduction problems, and certain cancers. Reliable websites like this provide a good channel for engaging people with overweight and obesity and connecting them to healthcare organizations for treatment.”
In addition to digital resources, Vietnam is investing in community-based programs to promote healthy eating and physical activity, especially among children. The “ENOUGH” Nutrition Initiative, launched in partnership with the National Institute of Nutrition and World Vision International, aims to ensure that every child has access to adequate, nutritious food and to reduce both undernutrition and obesity. The initiative focuses on improving food supply, educating caregivers, and integrating nutrition programs across multiple provinces.
Advanced Treatments and the Future of Obesity Care in Vietnam
While lifestyle modification remains the cornerstone of obesity prevention and management, new medical treatments are offering hope for those struggling with severe obesity. Dr. Nguyen Quang Bay, Head of Endocrinology at Bach Mai Hospital, highlights the promise of GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) therapies, which are internationally recognized for their effectiveness in promoting weight loss and improving cardiovascular risk factors. Vietnam currently has access to Liraglutide, and there is hope that newer drugs like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide will soon become available.
GLP-1 RAs are particularly beneficial for overweight or obese patients with type 2 diabetes, as they lower blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of heart and kidney disease. However, access to these advanced treatments remains limited, and there is a need for broader insurance coverage and more multidisciplinary obesity treatment centers.
Experts agree that a comprehensive approach is essential. This includes:
- Expanding access to effective medications and surgical options for severe obesity.
- Promoting healthy lifestyles through media campaigns and school-based programs.
- Improving healthcare provider training and patient support systems.
- Establishing systematic monitoring and surveillance to track progress and outcomes.
Regional Context: Southeast Asia’s Struggle with Obesity
Vietnam’s obesity crisis is part of a broader regional trend. Southeast Asia is experiencing a rapid rise in obesity and related chronic diseases, driven by similar factors: urbanization, changing diets, and sedentary lifestyles. Countries in the region have developed policies and action plans, such as national nutrition strategies, community interventions, and fiscal measures like sugar taxes. However, progress has been slow, and experts call for a more holistic, coordinated approach that addresses the root causes of unhealthy eating and physical inactivity.
Improving the food environment—such as regulating food marketing to children, promoting healthy school meals, and making nutritious foods more accessible—is seen as critical to reversing the obesity epidemic. Regional experts emphasize the need for a “whole-of-government, whole-of-society” approach, combining policy changes with community engagement and systematic monitoring.
Socioeconomic Factors and Consumer Trends
Vietnam’s rapid economic development has brought both opportunities and challenges. A recent survey by PwC found that 63% of Vietnamese consumers plan to increase spending on essential goods, including healthcare products, in the coming year. Urbanization and rising incomes have led to greater consumption of processed foods and increased reliance on digital platforms for shopping and information. At the same time, there is growing awareness of sustainability and health, with many consumers willing to pay more for healthier, environmentally friendly products.
However, these positive trends are offset by persistent challenges: high rates of physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, and limited access to preventive healthcare services, especially in rural and low-income communities. Addressing these disparities is crucial to ensuring that all Vietnamese have the opportunity to lead healthy lives.
In Summary
- Vietnam is experiencing a rapid and alarming increase in obesity rates, especially among children and urban populations.
- Obesity is a chronic, progressive disease with serious health consequences, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
- Stigma, lack of awareness, and gaps in healthcare provider-patient communication hinder effective obesity management.
- Innovative initiatives, such as digital health platforms and community nutrition programs, are being launched to raise awareness and improve care.
- Advanced medical treatments, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, offer new hope but require broader access and insurance coverage.
- A comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach—combining policy, education, healthcare, and community engagement—is essential to reversing the obesity epidemic in Vietnam.
- Regional and socioeconomic factors, including urbanization and changing consumer habits, play a significant role in shaping obesity trends.
