Obesity is not just a health issue in Brunei Darussalam, it is a daily reality woven into cultural traditions, family routines and personal aspirations. For some, it reflects how food is deeply tied to culture and family life, with meals forming the heart of many gatherings. For others, it means children spending long hours on screens “I play online video games after school with my friends and siblings” or parents struggling to balance healthy advice with their children’s resistance.
In response, the WHO team in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health is working to shape a national strategy for obesity prevention and management, grounded in the real experiences of people in the country.
Understanding the challenges
Brunei Darussalam, like many countries in the Western Pacific Region, faces rising rates of overweight and obesity. The health and social consequences are already visible: from children experiencing stigma in school—“I was called lampoh (fat) by classmates, even best friends”—to adults who avoid thinking about weight loss because “thinking about it leads to more stress.”
/countries/malaysia/voices-of-change---obesity-children-and-adult.jpg?sfvrsn=1af3252c_6 "Voices-of-change---obesity-children-and-adult")
Children and adults shared their experiences, highlighting how stigma and lifestyle pressures affect their health
People living with obesity revealed the complex web of factors driving unhealthy weight gain: cultural dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, stigma, mental health challenges and limited engaging interventions. Many families voiced a need for more support, guidance and motivation. “I know what to do but I need someone to motivate me further,” one participant said.
A national commitment
WHO has been working with the Ministry of Health's Obesity Task Force to develop a strategy for strengthening obesity prevention and management. Efforts to date include:
- National stakeholder workshop to gather perspectives across different government sectors and civil society.
- Focus group discussions with children, adolescents, adults and families living with obesity to ensure the strategy reflects lived realities.
- Bilateral meetings with key stakeholders from across the Ministry of Health to ensure comprehensive policy planning.
This collaborative process placed communities at the heart of policymaking.
From awareness to action
Despite the challenges, stories of resilience and hope emerged. Some participants spoke of the pride they felt when small changes brought visible results: “If turun (drop) 1kg, we can see it and feel happy.” Others highlighted the importance of being role models: “I want to be a role model for my children.”
/countries/malaysia/voices-of-change---obesity-father.jpg?sfvrsn=c04ce526_4 "Voices of change - obesity father")
A father reflects on the challenges of balancing health advice with everyday family life
Participants pointed to impactful programmes such as “BN on the Move” and bootcamps, which combined physical activity, nutrition education and social support. But they also noted that such opportunities are rare and often short-lived.
/countries/malaysia/voices-of-change---obesity-young-people.jpg?sfvrsn=6c021f7c_4 "Voices of change - obesity young people")
Young people highlight the realities they face, from screen time to stigma in school
“We need a programme like the adult one, maybe twice a week at the Health Promotion Centre, with peers from school,” a student suggested. Others called for interactive, engaging activities to replace health education lectures that lose attention quickly.
Charting the way forward
As the country continues to chart its path towards a healthier future, the importance of a shared commitment is at the heart of their objectives. Tackling obesity requires more than health interventions—government, communities and families must work together to create healthier environments. From empowering schools to reshaping food environments and from supporting families to reducing stigma, every voice matters.
/countries/malaysia/voices-of-change---obesity-collaboration.jpg?sfvrsn=98bd5d77_6 "Voices-of-change---obesity-collaboration")
Collaboration across sectors, from teachers to nurses, key is to creating healthier environments
By listening to these voices and translating them into action, WHO and the Ministry of Health are taking bold steps to address obesity and safeguard the health of future generations, laying the foundation for a healthier nation where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.