Vietnam Obesity Study 2025
Vietnam Obesity Study 2025 is a Decision Lab study of public awareness and perceptions of obesity in Vietnam, drawing on the general population alongside the real-life experiences of patients and healthcare professionals. Vietnam has one of the lowest obesity rates in Southeast Asia but the fastest-rising, with adult obesity projected to grow 6.3% a year to 2035 - the highest in the region. It gives decision-makers an evidence-based view of why awareness of obesity has not translated into action, and what it will take to change that. The study is written for policymakers, private sector leaders, and communicators responsible for reshaping how obesity is understood and addressed in Vietnam.
Key highlight points:
- Obesity is rising faster in Vietnam than anywhere in the region. Vietnam has one of the lowest adult obesity rates in Southeast Asia at 21%, but the fastest projected rise - 6.3% a year for adults and 9.8% for children to 2035, both the highest in the region (World Obesity Federation).
- The cost is national, not personal. The total economic impact of excess weight is projected to reach US$16.3 billion by 2035, equal to 2.0% of GDP - yet Vietnam ranks just 108/183 countries on obesity treatment preparedness.
- Awareness alone does not drive action. 83% recognise obesity as a disease, but 36% of people with obesity still rank it below other conditions and 30% are happy with their current weight despite struggling to lose it.
- The narrative has to shift. Stigma persists - 54% attribute obesity to laziness and 34% of parents see it as an appearance issue, not a health risk - so framing it as a chronic condition is essential before the problem becomes entrenched.