Vietnam's obesity crisis takes center stage at VietSPEN nutrition conference

Over 700 healthcare professionals recently met in Da Nang City for the 5th annual VietSPEN conference. The event focused on nutrition strategies for patients with obesity and sarcopenia, addressing the growing challenges in managing these conditions. Experts shared the latest research on personalised diets, exercise, and multidisciplinary care to improve treatment outcomes. The World Health Organisation classifies obesity as a global epidemic, raising the risk of chronic diseases and complications. In Vietnam, childhood obesity rates have surged from 8.5% to over 19% in the past five years, driven by urban lifestyle changes and high sugar intake. Adult obesity now affects around 25% of the population, the highest increase in Southeast Asia.

The conference highlighted that obesity is a complex disease requiring integrated approaches. Nutritional therapy was emphasised as the core of treatment, alongside exercise and resistance training. High-protein, Mediterranean, and plant-based diets were noted for their benefits in weight control and heart health. Personalised nutrition, considering genetics, metabolism, and lifestyle, also showed promise in reducing cardiometabolic risks. However, sarcopenia—the loss of muscle mass—was identified as a common issue in obese adults, worsening treatment results. National efforts, such as Vietnam's 2021–2030 Nutrition Strategy and a 2022 sugar tax, aim to curb rising obesity rates through education and policy changes.

The VietSPEN conference underscored the need for tailored, multidisciplinary strategies to combat obesity and sarcopenia. With Vietnam facing rapid increases in childhood and adult obesity, experts stress the importance of early intervention, dietary adjustments, and public health policies. These measures aim to reduce complications and improve long-term health outcomes.