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Yunus NA, Russell G, Muhamad R, Chai TL, Ahmad Zawawi MAF, Sturgiss E. The experience of living with obesity for adults in Asian countries: A scoping review of qualitative studies. Obes Rev 2023; 24:e13619. [PMID: 37558504 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Sociocultural and biological backgrounds significantly influence people's experience of obesity. Yet the experience within the Asian sociocultural context is underexplored. This scoping review aims to summarize the qualitative evidence that explores the lived experience of adults with obesity in Asian countries. Guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) approach, we systematically searched five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus) for studies exploring the lived experience of adults with obesity in Asian countries. Eligible studies with English full text were screened by two reviewers and analyzed using a descriptive qualitative content analysis. Of the 16,764 articles retrieved, 11 were included. The qualitative data can be summarized into three categories: (1) cultural norms shaped the lived experience with obesity, (2) the influence of obesity on social relationships, and (3) coping with life challenges. Despite the small number of studies, a strong influence of the sociocultural environment on the lived experience of obesity was evident, particularly on social roles and expectations, social relationships, the stigma of obesity, and life challenges. The extent and significance of this sociocultural influence on the Asian population warrant further exploration. Future research should fully report the qualitative methods to provide contextual information about the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nor Akma Yunus
- School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Grant Russell
- Department of General Practice, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rosediani Muhamad
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Tze Lin Chai
- School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Elizabeth Sturgiss
- School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Roslim NA, Ahmad A, Mansor M, Aung MMT, Hamzah F, Lua PL. A Qualitative Exploration of Weight Loss Experiences through Hypnotherapy. Int J Clin Exp Hypn 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37378644 DOI: 10.1080/00207144.2023.2227237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Hypnotherapy has been gaining recognition as an alternative treatment for excess weight problems. This qualitative study aims to explore individuals' experiences of losing weight through hypnotherapy and their perceived barriers and facilitators for healthy lifestyle changes. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 participants (11 women and 4 men; mean age of 23 years) who recorded having lost ≥5% weight after undergoing 3 hypnotherapy sessions previously at a public university in Terengganu, Malaysia. Each interview was audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The themes that emerged were the usefulness of hypnotherapy, barriers, and facilitators of healthy lifestyle changes. All participants contended that hypnotherapy played a role in their weight-loss journey through increased mindful eating and enhanced motivation to make lifestyle modifications. Barriers to healthy lifestyle changes included high costs of healthy foods and lack of support for healthy food sources in social and family settings. Hypnotherapy is essential as an adjunct tool in assisting weight loss. However, additional efforts are needed to improve support in the weight management journey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Afiedia Roslim
- Department of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Aryati Ahmad
- Department of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Mardiana Mansor
- Department of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Myat Moe Thwe Aung
- Department of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Farrahdilla Hamzah
- Department of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Pei Lin Lua
- Department of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
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Al-Bisher MM, Al-Otaibi HH. Eating Concerns Associated with Nutritional Information Obtained from Social Media among Saudi Young Females: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16380. [PMID: 36554261 PMCID: PMC9778825 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Eating disorders have been highly prevalent in young females for decades for many reasons. Social media platforms have an enormous impact on users, especially young adults, who use them every day. In Saudi Arabia, social media is popular, with an estimated 72% of users being active in 2020. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to assess the relationship between using social media to search for nutritional information and eating concerns. A nationwide study was conducted on 1092 young Saudi females aged 18-30 years from five administrative regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using an online validated questionnaire, and symptoms of eating concerns were assessed using two brief instruments: SCOFF [Sick, Control, One Stone, Fat, Food] and Eating disorders Screen for Primary care [ESP]. The prevalence of eating concerns was 49.6% among Saudi females. Moderate eating concerns were more prevalent in the central region 24.8%, whereas high eating concerns were more prevalent in the southern region 27.6%. Personal accounts of dietitian/nutritionists (OR = 1.170; 95% CI 1.071-1.277; p ≤ 0.001), interaction with offered experiments about new meals/restaurants, and diets on social media that were mostly promoted by celebrities/influencers (OR = 1.554; 95% CI 1.402-1.723; p ≤ 0.000) were the most prominent risk factors associated with being more likely to suffer from eating concerns. The present study recommends opening clinics specializing in nutrition on social media platforms that target young females to provide nutritional counselling and encourage a healthy lifestyle. In addition, it is important to plan awareness campaigns intended to educate young females on how to deal with messages that circulate on social media without any evidence regarding their truthfulness.
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Anand VV, Zhe ELC, Chin YH, Lim WH, Goh RSJ, Lin C, Ng CH, Kong G, Tay PWL, Devi K, Muthiah M, Singh V, Chu DT, Khoo CM, Chan MY, Dimitriadis GK, Foo R, Chew NWS. Barriers and Facilitators to Engagement With a Weight Management Intervention in Asian Patients With Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review. Endocr Pract 2022; 29:398-407. [PMID: 36396016 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The obesity epidemic is a global health concern with Asian countries facing one of the most rapid rises in obesity rates. However, given the underwhelming long-term efficacy of weight loss strategies, especially in Asia, this review aimed to explore barriers and facilitators to weight management of patients with overweight and obesity in Asia. METHODS Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were searched for articles discussing barriers and facilitators of treatment to obesity from the perspectives of both health care professionals (HCPs) and patients. Qualitative and mixed method studies from Asia were included. Key quotes were extracted, coded, and thematically analyzed according to the methodology of Thomas and Harden. RESULTS A total of 26 articles were included in this review. From patient perspectives, 3 main themes were identified: factors influencing poor eating behavior, inhibiting lifestyle modifications, and facilitating lifestyle modifications. Patients highlighted several barriers including the lack of social support, physiologic limitations to exercise, and low health literacy. Rigid sociocultural norms and lack of accessible health care services, exercise facilities, and healthy food exacerbated the barriers. Facilitators to lifestyle modifications consisted of strong support systems and high health literacy. HCPs agreed that low health literacy, lack of social support, and patient motivation impeded patients' weight loss attempts but were unaware of the other barriers they faced. CONCLUSION There are discrepancies between ideas of barriers and facilitators of HCPs and patients. A mixture of population level, primary care, and personal interventions are required to address this disparity, and enhanced health literacy can improve weight loss outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vickram Vijay Anand
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Ethan Lee Cheng Zhe
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Yip Han Chin
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Wen Hui Lim
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rachel Sze Jen Goh
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chaoxing Lin
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cheng Han Ng
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gwyneth Kong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore
| | - Phoebe Wen Lin Tay
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kamala Devi
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mark Muthiah
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore; National University Centre for Organ Transplantation, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Vijai Singh
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana, Gujarat, India
| | - Dinh-Toi Chu
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam; Department of Natural Science and Technology, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Chin Meng Khoo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Department of Endocrinology, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Mark Y Chan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore; Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Georgios K Dimitriadis
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Endocrinology ASO/EASO COM, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, United Kingdom
| | - Roger Foo
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore; Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Nicholas W S Chew
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre, National University Health System, Singapore.
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Yunus NA, Russell G, Muhamad R, Barton C, Sturgiss E. What is it like to live with obesity in Peninsular Malaysia? A qualitative study. Clin Obes 2022; 12:e12538. [PMID: 35644913 PMCID: PMC9541318 DOI: 10.1111/cob.12538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the experience of people living with obesity is crucial for delivering holistic care relevant to the socio-cultural context. Although half of the Malaysian adults have excessive weight, the lived experience of people with obesity in the Malaysian context is not well studied. Using the principles of hermeneutic phenomenology, this study explores the lived experience of adults with obesity in Malaysia and their perspective on the environmental influences on obesity. Participants were adults from Peninsular Malaysia living with obesity recruited from social media, clinics and snowball sampling. Twenty-five teleconference interviews in Malay were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed inductively using a reflexive thematic analysis approach, and quotes were translated into English. We identified five themes: (1) Malaysian life is centred around food; (2) social norms shape people living with obesity's perceptions of themselves and obesity; (3) people living with obesity are physically restricted by their body; (4) people living with obesity have repeated thoughts about efforts to lose weight; and (5) stigmatization of people living with obesity leads to negative emotions. Socio-cultural influences were highly impactful on participants' lifeworld, and these influences need to be considered in clinical practice and policy for obesity management in Malaysia. Clinical management should focus on assisting patients in navigating the unsupportive food and social environment instead of overfocusing on the individual's responsibility for weight reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nor Akma Yunus
- School of Primary and Allied Health CareMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Family MedicineSchool of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains MalaysiaKota BharuMalaysia
| | - Grant Russell
- Department of General Practice, School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Rosediani Muhamad
- Department of Family MedicineSchool of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains MalaysiaKota BharuMalaysia
| | - Chris Barton
- Department of General Practice, School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Elizabeth Sturgiss
- School of Primary and Allied Health CareMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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Personal motivation, self-regulation barriers and strategies for weight loss in people with overweight and obesity: a thematic framework analysis. Public Health Nutr 2022; 25:2426-2435. [PMID: 35190011 PMCID: PMC9991665 DOI: 10.1017/s136898002200043x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore motivations, self-regulation barriers and strategies in a multi-ethnic Southeast Asian population with overweight and obesity. DESIGN Qualitative design using semi-structured face-to-face and videoconferencing interviews. Data were analysed using thematic framework analysis and constant comparison method. SETTING Specialist weight management clinic. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-two participants were purposively sampled from 13 April to 30 April 2021. Median age and BMI of the participants were 37·5 (interquartile range (IQR) = 13·3) and 39·2 kg/m2 (IQR = 6·1), respectively. And 31·8 % were men, majority had a high intention to adopt healthy eating behaviours (median = 6·5; IQR = 4·8-6·3) and 59 % of the participants had a medium level of self-regulation. RESULTS Six themes and fifteen subthemes were derived. Participants were motivated to lose weight by the sense of responsibility as the family's pillar of support and to feel 'normal' again. We coupled self-regulation barriers with corresponding strategies to come up with four broad themes: habitual overconsumption - mindful self-discipline; proximity and convenience of food available - mental tenacity; momentary lack of motivation and sense of control - motivational boosters; and overeating triggers - removing triggers. We highlighted six unique overeating triggers namely: trigger activities (e.g. using social media); eating with family, friends and colleagues; provision of food by someone; emotions (e.g. feeling bored at home, sad and stressed); physiological condition (e.g. premenstrual syndrome); and the time of the day. CONCLUSIONS Future weight management interventions should consider encompassing participant-led weight loss planning, motivation boosters and self-regulation skills to cope with momentary overeating triggers.
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Kaloiya GS, Kaur T, Ranjan P, Chopra S, Sarkar S, Kumari A, Bhatia H. Counselling and Behaviour Modification Techniques for the Management of Obesity in Postpartum and Midlife Women: A Practical Guide for Clinicians. J Obstet Gynaecol India 2022; 72:134-140. [PMID: 35492859 PMCID: PMC9008080 DOI: 10.1007/s13224-022-01652-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Behaviour change is the basic foundation in the management of obesity. Such behaviour change is difficult to achieve due to several psychosocial and behavioural barriers that often remain unidentified and unaddressed in a weight management programme. This is even more challenging in postpartum and midlife women because of several biopsychosocial factors. The non-availability of psychologists or trained healthcare counsellors further complicates the attainment of behavioural changes. Therefore, clinicians, who are often the first point of contact for treating these population groups, are hamstrung by the lack of a multidisciplinary approach for weight reduction. Some of the common psychological, social and behavioural barriers have been identified in this article, and evidence-based techniques such as goal setting, stimulus control and cognitive restructuring are presented in a step-wise approach, to help clinicians cater to these population groups in a holistic manner.
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Park MB, Wang JM, Bulwer BE. Global Dieting Trends and Seasonality: Social Big-Data Analysis May Be a Useful Tool. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13041069. [PMID: 33806069 PMCID: PMC8064504 DOI: 10.3390/nu13041069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We explored online search interest in dieting and weight loss using big-data analysis with a view to its potential utility in global obesity prevention efforts. We applied big-data analysis to the global dieting trends collected from Google and Naver search engines from January 2004 to January 2018 using the search term “diet,” in selected six Northern and Southern Hemisphere countries; five Arab and Muslim countries grouped as conservative, semi-conservative, and liberal; and South Korea. Using cosinor analysis to evaluate the periodic flow of time series data, there was seasonality for global search interest in dieting and weight loss (amplitude = 6.94, CI = 5.33~8.56, p < 0.000) with highest in January and the lowest in December for both Northern and Southern Hemisphere countries. Seasonal dieting trend in the Arab and Muslim countries was present, but less remarkable (monthly seasonal seasonality, amplitude = 4.07, CI = 2.20~5.95, p < 0.000). For South Korea, seasonality was noted on Naver (amplitude = 11.84, CI = 7.62~16.05, p < 0.000). Our findings suggest that big-data analysis of social media can be an adjunct in tackling important public health issues like dieting, weight loss, obesity, and food fads, including the optimal timing of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung-Bae Park
- Department of Gerontal Health and Welfare, Pai Chai University, Daejeon 35345, Korea
- Correspondence: (M.-B.P.); (J.M.W.); (B.E.B.)
| | - Ju Mee Wang
- Department of Gerontal Health and Welfare, Pai Chai University, Daejeon 35345, Korea
- The Korean Cardiac Research Foundation, Seoul 04158, Korea
- Correspondence: (M.-B.P.); (J.M.W.); (B.E.B.)
| | - Bernard E. Bulwer
- The Korean Cardiac Research Foundation, Seoul 04158, Korea
- BEB-Noninvasive Cardiovascular Research, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Correspondence: (M.-B.P.); (J.M.W.); (B.E.B.)
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Are pre-pregnancy weight fluctuations and adherence to prenatal nutrition and exercise recommendations related to excessive gestational weight gain? J Behav Med 2020; 43:1047-1055. [PMID: 32361794 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-020-00156-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Women who have an overweight or obese pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) may be recommended to lose weight before pregnancy, however the association of preconception weight fluctuations and prenatal adherence to nutrition and exercise recommendations with gestational weight gain (GWG) have not been assessed. One hundred women with a pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2 who participated in the Nutrition and Exercise Lifestyle Intervention Program (NELIP) were included and stratified as gained weight excessively (n = 47) or not (n = 53) using the 2009 Institute of Medicine GWG guidelines. Participants completed a Weight Health History Questionnaire providing information about weight loss prior to the index pregnancy. Adherence was scored based on meeting six nutrition and exercise goals for the NELIP (/6). More women who gained excessively reported that they had actively tried to lose weight a year before the current pregnancy (61%) than women who did not gain excessively (39%; p = 0.02). Of the women attempting preconception weight loss, those who gained excessively lost more weight (6.7 ± 10.2 kg) than women who did not (2.1 ± 3.8 kg; p = 0.003). Adherence to the NELIP was lower among women who gained excessively (3.3 ± 0.8; 55%) than those who did not (4.4 ± 0.9;73%; p < 0.001). Program adherence (p < 0.001) was related to excessive GWG.
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Mohamad Nor NS, Ambak R, Mohd Zaki N, Abdul Aziz NS, Cheong SM, Abd Razak MA, Yusof M, Ahmad MH, Baharuddin A, Megat Radzi MR, Wan Kozil WNK, Ishak IH, Aris T. An update on obesity research pattern among adults in Malaysia: a scoping review. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2018; 18:114. [PMID: 30066661 PMCID: PMC6069511 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-018-0590-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Background Obesity is a global health burden in the non-communicable diseases and much efforts have been implemented in the past decade in response to the rise of obesity prevalence among the Malaysian population. These include the development of the national policies, health programmes and research activities. The main aim of the scoping review was to identify obesity research pattern among adults in Malaysia in terms of the scopes, topics and the research designs. Methods The scoping review was conducted based on the framework by Arksey and O’Malley. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis (PRISMA) diagram was used as a guide to record the review process. Articles from year 2008 until 2017 on overweight and obesity among adults aged 18 years and above were retrieved based on the keywords using electronic databases (Embase/Ovid, Pubmed, Cochrane library and Google Scholar). Local journals, Nutrition Research in Malaysia Biblography (2011 and 2016), online local theses databases, virtual library databases were also included in the searches. Consultations with relevant key informants from the National Institutes of Health and local universities were also conducted. Search activities were managed using Endnote software and MS Excelsheet. Results The characteristics of the results were described based on the objectives of the review. A total of 2004 articles and reports were retrieved, and 188 articles related to obesity in Malaysia were included in the final review. Scopes and topics of obesity research based on the Nutrition Research Priorities in Malaysia (NRPM) for 11th Malaysia Plan were obesity prevalence, weight loss intervention, association of physical activities and dietary factors with obesity. The majority of obesity research among adults in Malaysia was cross sectional studies and only a small number of intervention studies, qualitative studies and systematic review were indentified. Research gaps were identified in order to make useful recommendations to the stakeholders. Conclusions In the past decade, there has been an emerging evidence on obesity research among adults in Malaysia. More obesity research needs to be conducted particularly on obesity intervention among specific gender, qualitative studies, economic cost and genetic factors of obesity. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12905-018-0590-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Safiza Mohamad Nor
- Institute for Public Health, National Institutes for Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Rashidah Ambak
- Institute for Public Health, National Institutes for Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norazian Mohd Zaki
- Institute for Public Health, National Institutes for Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nur Shahida Abdul Aziz
- Institute for Public Health, National Institutes for Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Siew Man Cheong
- Institute for Public Health, National Institutes for Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Aznuddin Abd Razak
- Institute for Public Health, National Institutes for Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Muslimah Yusof
- Institute for Public Health, National Institutes for Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Hasnan Ahmad
- Institute for Public Health, National Institutes for Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Azli Baharuddin
- Institute for Public Health, National Institutes for Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Megat Rusydi Megat Radzi
- Institute for Public Health, National Institutes for Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Intan Hafizah Ishak
- Institute for Public Health, National Institutes for Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Tahir Aris
- Institute for Public Health, National Institutes for Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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