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The findings come from a 2025 survey conducted by global healthcare company Novo Nordisk in collaboration with Decision Lab, covering 1,000 adults in major Vietnamese cities Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hai Phong and Can Tho.

The results show that 83% of respondents recognize obesity as a condition that can trigger serious complications such as dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, while 72% are aware of its links to cancer and infertility.

Despite this awareness, behavioral risk factors remain widespread. Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed said they spend more than six hours a day sitting. More than one-third regularly consume processed foods, which are typically high in sugar, salt, saturated fat and “empty” calories.

On average, Vietnamese people consume 8.1 grams of salt and 46.5 grams of free sugar per day, almost double the levels recommended by the World Health Organization for good health. Dependence on processed and packaged foods is also contributing to higher rates of metabolic disorders and non-communicable diseases, including overweight, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular illnesses.

Misconceptions in child-rearing further complicate obesity control. About 55% of parents worry more about their children not eating enough than overeating. Meanwhile, 42% believe a “chubby” child is a healthy one, and 37% think eating more helps children grow faster. Such perceptions can inadvertently increase the risk of overweight and obesity from an early age.

Physical inactivity is another major concern. According to the United Nations Population Fund, Vietnam ranks among the world’s 10 least physically active countries. Data from the Ministry of Health’s Preventive Medicine Department show that 30% of Vietnamese adults do not get enough exercise. The physical fitness, endurance and strength of Vietnamese youth are also assessed as below international benchmarks.

The World Obesity Atlas 2025 indicates that although Vietnam currently has one of the lowest obesity rates in Southeast Asia, it is recording the region’s fastest growth rate at 38%. The country ranks 108th out of 183 nations in readiness for obesity treatment, underscoring gaps in healthcare capacity and coordinated response measures.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among Vietnamese students has doubled over the past decade, rising from 8.5% to 19%, and reaching 26% in major urban areas.

Dr. Tran Thanh Duong, Director of the National Institute of Nutrition, said the rate of increase is even faster than in Thailand and is approaching that of developed countries. He warned that overweight and obesity are a “ticking time bomb” for the future burden of non-communicable diseases, with implications for both public health and national productivity.

The World Health Organization defines obesity as a complex, chronic disease that progresses silently but has far-reaching consequences, including both individual health impacts and economic strain at the national level. It is no longer simply a personal matter but a pressing public health issue. Experts are calling for coordinated action across policymaking, healthcare systems, the food industry and media to reshape public perceptions, reduce stigma and promote early intervention.

Health authorities advise the public to adopt balanced diets and increase physical activity to prevent overweight, obesity and other chronic non-communicable diseases. As processed foods become more convenient and accessible, consumers are urged to read nutrition labels carefully, paying close attention to total calories, sugar, saturated fat and sodium content.

World Obesity Day is observed annually on March 4, as designated by the World Obesity Federation, highlighting the growing global concern over overweight and obesity.