Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by Le Don

People selling their Budi95 for some quick cash?

Le Don — Wed, 27 May 2026 10:01:42 +0800

You ever worry about fly eggs on your mixed rice?

Le Don — Tue, 26 May 2026 09:53:51 +0800

QUOTE

Chinese mix rice near Puchong jalan helang/merbuk

Retatrutide study demonstrates 30% weight loss

Le Don — Sun, 24 May 2026 17:52:44 +0800

Researchers found that at 104 weeks of the TRIUMPH-1 trial, participants with severe obesity who took retatrutide 9mg or 12mg achieved up to 30% weight loss.

QUOTE

All doses of obesity drug retatrutide resulted in clinically meaningful weight loss, while people with severe obesity on the highest dose lost up to 30% of their body weight over two years, topline results of a phase III clinical trial have shown.

In an announcement published on 21 May 2026, Eli Lilly shared the results of the TRIUMPH-1 study, which involved 2,339 participants who were randomised to receive either retatrutide 4mg, 9mg, 12mg (building up every four weeks from 2mg), or placebo.

At 80 weeks, participants on 4mg of retatrutide lost an average of 17.6% of their body weight, compared with 23.7% on 9mg, 25.0% on 12mg and 3.9% on placebo, the study results revealed.

The researchers also observed that 532 participants with BMI ≥35 at week 0, who had tolerated their assigned dose of medication, were then escalated to the maximum tolerated dose (9mg or 12mg) for a further 24 weeks. At 104 weeks, these participants had achieved up to 30% body weight reduction, the researchers found.

Obesity drug retatrutide targets glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors and glucagon receptors. The drug is currently an investigational molecule and does not have regulatory approval.

In comparison, the highest available doses of tirzepatide (Mounjaro; Eli Lilly) and semaglutide (Wegovy; Novo Nordisk), have both demonstrated around 20% weight loss after 72 weeks in previous clinical trials (SURMOUNT-1; STEP UP).

Source:
https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/...-30-weight-loss

Anyone here excited about reta?

Also seems like many people in reddit have tried reta. This guy loses 145lbs:

Sarawak to emerge as a major exporter of pork

Le Don — Fri, 22 May 2026 10:23:08 +0800

[attachmentid=11527983]

In a related development, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi said Sarawak is also targeting to emerge as a major exporter in the regional pig farming industry by 2030.

He said the state government has set a target of 500,000 pigs through the development of pig farming areas in Pasir Puteh and Selangau, in addition to modern farms in Ensengei.

“This development is expected to produce up to 860,000 pigs annually, with the industry value estimated at RM1.29 billion,” he said.

He added that the growth of this industry will also stimulate downstream development, including food processing, to meet both domestic and export markets. -UKASnews

Source:
https://ukas.sarawak.gov.my/web/subpage/news_view/40955

My mother scammed 15K from buying groceries online

Le Don — Fri, 22 May 2026 08:45:25 +0800

QUOTE

Apk file phishing. Mom downloaded the apk file and received call to allow the file. Within few hours all gone

QUOTE(desmond2020 @ May 22 2026, 08:50 AM)

-cheap seafood ads on facebook or somewhere

-whatsapp to order
-then receive apk file ask to install for the purchase,
-scammer then ask to allow remote access for them to teach how to use app
-kesian money all got transfer out.
[right][snapback]113014059[/snapback][/right]

Overeating may not be a discipline problem

Le Don — Thu, 21 May 2026 10:20:57 +0800

[attachmentid=11527960]

For a long time, overeating has been framed as a personal failure—a lack of willpower or discipline. However, a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) reveals that it might actually be a biological issue: a broken relay in a newly discovered brain circuit.

Scientists from the University of Concepción in Chile and the University of Maryland discovered a hidden three-step communication chain in the hypothalamus, the brain region that regulates hunger. Historically, scientists ignored astrocytes—star-shaped brain cells—treating them as mere structural support. But this study shows they play a critical role in signaling fullness:

- The Signal Starts: When you eat and your blood glucose rises, specialized cells called tanycytes detect it and produce a byproduct called lactate.

- The Middleman (Astrocytes): Instead of going straight to hunger-controlling neurons as previously thought, this lactate binds to a specific receptor (HCAR1) on astrocytes.

- The Response: The activated astrocytes release a chemical messenger (glutamate), which triggers POMC neurons to tell the body it is full, while simultaneously shutting down the neurons that drive hunger.

Why this matters:
In modern environments, this pathway is easily disrupted. Chronic consumption of high-fat diets can numb these neurons and damage the astrocyte relay, meaning the "stop eating" signal never actually arrives.

By identifying the HCAR1 receptor on astrocytes as the crucial link, researchers have found a brand-new target for weight-loss medications. This discovery could eventually complement existing treatments like Ozempic, offering a biological fix to a problem that has wrongfully been blamed on a lack of character.

Source:
Scientists discovered that overeating may not be a discipline problem but a broken relay in a brain circuit nobody knew existed until now
https://thesciverse.org/scientists-discover...sted-until-now/

New type of weight loss meds coming soon?

Five Italians die during cave scuba dive

Le Don — Sun, 17 May 2026 16:18:27 +0800

Five Italians have died in a scuba diving accident in the Maldives, the foreign ministry in Rome has said.

"The divers are believed to have died while attempting to explore caves at a depth of 50 metres (164ft)," the ministry said, adding that this happened in Vaavu Atoll.

Four of the divers were part of a University of Genoa team, including professor of ecology Monica Montefalcone, her daughter and two researchers.

The Maldives' military said one body had been found in a cave about 60m underwater, and the other four divers were believed to be also there.

It said divers with special equipment had been sent to the area, describing a search operation as a very high risk.

Italy's foreign ministry said on Friday that officials were working with the Maldivian authorities to search for the bodies.

It said in an earlier statement that another 20 Italian nationals aboard the Duke of York yacht, from which the five divers took off, are unharmed and receiving assistance from the Embassy of Italy in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The ministry added that the yacht is waiting for weather conditions to improve before returning to the Maldives' capital, Male.

The incident is believed to be the worst single diving accident in the tiny Indian Ocean nation, a popular tourist destination because of its string of coral islands.

The five Italians entered the water on Thursday morning, local media reported.

The crew of the diving vessel they were travelling on reported them missing when they failed to resurface later on.

Police said the weather was rough in the area, about 100km (62 miles) south of Male. A yellow warning was issued for passenger boats and fishermen.

The University of Genoa later named the victims as Montefalcone, her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, who was also a student, research fellow Muriel Oddenino and marine biology graduate Federico Gualtieri.

The fifth victim has been named as boat operations manager and diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti.

In a statement on X, the University of Genoa expressed its "deepest condolences" to the victims.

Italy's ambassador to Sri Lanka, Damiano Francovigh, confirmed to broadcaster Sky TG24 that one body has been recovered while the other four had yet to be located.

According to initial reconstructions, the cave the five divers entered is divided into three large rooms connected by narrow passages, the Italian foreign ministry said.

A second dive by Coast Guard divers took place on Friday morning, exploring two of the three rooms.

A further dive is set to take place on Saturday, with the aim of exploring the third room.

Monica Montefalcone's husband, Carlo Sommacal, told Italian daily La Repubblica that his wife was "among the best divers in the world".

Sommacal described Montefalcone as "prepared and meticulous", adding that she "would never have put our daughter's [Giorgia's] life or that of others at risk".

"Maybe one of them had issues, maybe with the oxygen tanks, I have no idea," he added.

The causes of the accident remain to be confirmed but dive master Maurizio Uras has suggested "oxygen toxicity" might have been a contributing factor.

"It's a phenomenon that can happen when you dive very deep," he told Italian news agency Agi: "If the oxygen mix is inadequate, oxygen can become toxic at certain depths."

He added: "Weather conditions are also an important factor and we have to consider that the Indian Ocean is not the Mediterranean, which is relatively calm.

"There [in the Indian Ocean], there are strong currents which I imagine can pull from one side to the other. A real danger."

Diving and snorkelling accidents are relatively rare in the Maldives, although several fatalities have been reported in recent years.

Last December, an experienced British female diver drowned in a scuba incident off the island resort of Ellaidhoo. Her husband died five days later after falling ill.

In 2024, a Japanese lawmaker died while snorkelling in Lhaviyani Atoll.

Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62e0p7rd2ro

Nearly 60 pct of Malaysian workers obese

Le Don — Sun, 17 May 2026 13:54:20 +0800

QUOTE

KUCHING (May 17): Nearly 60 per cent of Malaysian workers who underwent health screenings from 2023 to 2025 were found to be obese, said the Social Security Organisation (Socso).

The social security protection provider said based on its Health Screening Programme (HSP) findings 2023-2025, 59.2 per cent of screened workers were overweight or obese.

“This reveals a worrying reality regarding the health of Malaysian workers. Such high figure should not be underestimated,” said Socso in a statement on Sunday.

Federal Deputy Minister of Human Resources Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said the findings further indicated that approximately 19 per cent of the screened workers had diabetes, while 17.45 per cent had high blood pressure.

He added that 59.24 per cent of those screened had high cholesterol, with this risk profile being most prevalent among workers aged 40 to 59.

“We need to realise that the pre-retirement phase is a productive period, but it is also a critical time for the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

“In fact, the Ministry of Health revealed that only 14.7 per cent of senior citizens in Malaysia are currently achieving healthy ageing,” he said.

He made these remarks when launching the Socso Run and Ride 2026 at Dataran Wawasan in Putrajaya in conjunction with this year’s Labour Day celebration.

Khairul also expressed concern about cancer, being the third highest cause of death among Malaysians, which is increasingly occurring among young people.

In this regard, he reminded all not to take the risks of NCDs lightly.

He believed that the good turnout at the Socso event could serve as an intervention to encourage a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet among Malaysian workers.

He was pleased to note that almost 30 per cent of the participants were aged 40 to 50.

“This is a very positive development, and I hope that all workers, regardless of age, will continue to cultivate a healthy lifestyle.

“Do bear in mind that workers’ health is a driving force of our productivity and indirectly affects the sustainability of the socio-economic system,” he said.

According to Socso, this year’s Run and Ride event recorded its largest ever turnout, with 12,000 participants, demonstrating the Ministry of Human Resources’ commitment to driving collective lifestyle change.

“This ninth edition introduced a few changes, including expanding the running category distances to 3km, 6km and 12km, to encourage more active participation, while maintaining the 35km leisurely cycling event,” it added.

Source:
Nearly 60 pct of Malaysian workers obese, Socso health screening findings reveal
https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/05/17/ne...indings-reveal/

Life as a Banana in Malaysia

Le Don — Sat, 16 May 2026 09:03:12 +0800

Source for the comic:

Guys I really want a girlfriend

Le Don — Fri, 15 May 2026 08:05:20 +0800

Higher carb and lower fat diet improves aging?

Le Don — Thu, 14 May 2026 08:40:40 +0800

The paper titled "Short-Term Dietary Intervention Alters Physiological Profiles Relevant to Ageing," published in Aging Cell (April 2026) by Andrews et al., investigates how brief changes in diet can influence "biological age" as measured by physiological biomarkers.

Core Objective
The researchers aimed to determine if manipulating dietary protein sources (animal vs. plant) and macronutrient composition (high-fat vs. high-carbohydrate) could alter an individual’s KDM-derived δAge—the difference between their biological age (based on blood biomarkers) and their chronological age.

Study Design
The study utilized the "Nutrition for Healthy Living" trial, a 4-week, 2×2 factorial dietary intervention involving 104 older adults (ages 65–75). Participants were randomized into four groups:

1. OHF: Omnivorous / High-Fat (similar to the average baseline diet).

2. OHC: Omnivorous / High-Carbohydrate.

3. VHF: Semi-vegetarian / High-Fat.

4. VHC: Semi-vegetarian / High-Carbohydrate.

Key Findings
- Rapid Biological Response: The study found that biological age estimates (KDM) are highly responsive to diet in as little as four weeks.

- High-Carb Benefits: Compared to the baseline-like diet (OHF), participants in the OHC (Omnivorous High-Carbohydrate) group showed a significant reduction in their δAge, suggesting an improvement in their physiological profile.

Vegetarian Trends: Both semi-vegetarian groups (VHF and VHC) also showed reductions in δAge compared to the OHF group, though these shifts did not always reach full statistical significance across all metrics.

Dietary Quality over Meat Removal: The results suggest that increasing carbohydrates (likely from complex/plant sources) and reducing fat may be as influential as removing meat in improving age-related physiological markers.

Important Caveats
The authors caution against labeling these shifts as a permanent "reversal" of the aging process. Instead, they note that:

- The observed changes likely reflect acute physiological responsiveness to new dietary inputs (e.g., changes in blood sugar, inflammation, or lipid levels) rather than a fundamental change in the long-term aging trajectory.

- Longer-term studies are necessary to see if these short-term "biological age" improvements translate into a lower risk of age-related diseases or increased longevity.

Significance
This research highlights that it is never "too late" to see physiological improvements; even in older age, a one-month dietary shift can significantly move the needle on clinical biomarkers associated with healthspan and aging.

Source:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acel.70507

The "Omnivorous High-Carbohydrate" (OHC) group saw the most statistically significant reduction in biological age. Their diet consisted of:

- 14% Protein: Half from animal sources, half from plants.

- 28–29% Fat: Low-fat profile.

- 53% Carbohydrates: High-carbohydrate profile.

These biomarkers improvements likely stem from a higher intake of fiber and whole-food carbohydrates and lower intake of fat.

Jensen Huang joins Trump’s China trip

Le Don — Wed, 13 May 2026 13:51:05 +0800

Key Points
- Nvidia confirmed to CNBC that CEO Jensen Huang will visit China this week.

- Huang was invited by U.S. President Donald Trump, the company said.

- After seeing the media coverage of Huang’s absence from the delegation, Trump called Huang: source.

- Trump is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping Thursday and Friday.

QUOTE

CEO Jensen Huang has joined U.S. President Donald Trump’s trip to China, after initial indications the executive had not been invited.

After seeing the media coverage of Huang’s absence from the delegation, Trump called the Nvidia executive and asked him to join, a source familiar with the situation told CNBC.

Huang flew to Alaska to board Air Force One, the source said.

Source:
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/13/nvidia-says...china-trip.html

BBB for Nvidia and other semiconductor stocks as this signals a potential easing of trade tensions and export restrictions to China?

8,500 steps a day can help you to keep weight off

Le Don — Mon, 11 May 2026 08:09:21 +0800

New research presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2026) suggests that walking approximately 8,500 steps a day is a key threshold for preventing weight regain after dieting.

Key Findings from the Study:
- The "Maintenance" Milestone: While many weight-loss programs recommend walking, this study specifically identified that maintaining ~8,500 steps daily helps dieters keep weight off long-term.

- Prevention vs. Loss: Interestingly, increasing step counts was not significantly associated with faster weight loss during the initial dieting phase (where calorie reduction plays a larger role). However, it was crucial during the "maintenance" phase.

- The Success Rate: In the study, those in lifestyle modification programs who increased their steps to this level lost an average of 4kg and successfully kept most of it off. In contrast, those who did not increase their activity level or only dieted tended to regain the weight.

- The "80% Problem": The researchers noted that roughly 80% of people who lose weight regain it within 3 to 5 years. This "simple and affordable" strategy of 8,500 steps is proposed as a clinical solution to that high recidivism rate.

Study Methodology:
Researchers from Italy and Lebanon conducted a meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials involving over 3,700 individuals with an average BMI of 31. They tracked participants through both a weight-loss phase (averaging 8 months) and a maintenance phase (averaging 10 months).

[/U]Conclusion:
To avoid the common "yo-yo" effect of dieting, health experts recommend reaching and sustaining a daily goal of 8,500 steps starting from the beginning of a weight-loss journey.

Source:
8,500 steps a day can help dieters keep weight off, research suggests
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-05-day-...ers-weight.html

Research suggested that 8,500 steps a day is the critical threshold for preventing weight regain after a diet.

Laptop bags stolen in Genting Premium Outlet

Le Don — Sun, 10 May 2026 08:57:00 +0800

A Reddit user warned others after high-value items, including two laptops and a Rolex, were stolen from their car at Genting Highlands Premium Outlets without any signs of forced entry or CCTV coverage.

Omega-3 Increase Risk of Cognitive Decline?

Le Don — Thu, 07 May 2026 07:20:12 +0800

The article from ScienceAlert discusses a study suggesting that omega-3 supplements may accelerate cognitive decline in certain individuals, specifically those with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease.

Key Findings
- Genetic Risk Factor: The study, led by researchers at the Army Medical University in China, analyzed data from over 800 participants. It found that those carrying the APOE ε4 gene (a major risk factor for Alzheimer's) who took omega-3 supplements experienced faster cognitive decline compared to those who did not.

- Cognitive Testing: Participants taking the supplements showed a more rapid decrease in scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), which measures memory, attention, and language.

- Impact on Synapses: Interestingly, the decline was not linked to traditional Alzheimer’s markers like plaques or tangles. Instead, the researchers believe the supplements might adversely affect neuronal synaptic function in these specific cases.

- The "Sweet Spot": The researchers suggest there may be a "delicate balance" for omega-3 intake. While low doses may be beneficial, high doses (potentially over 1,500 mg a day) could lead to increased oxidation in the brain or other deleterious effects.

Caveats and Context
- Observational Nature: The study is observational, meaning it shows a correlation but does not prove that omega-3 supplements cause the decline.

- Demographics: The data primarily involved older, White, and educated individuals, so the results may not apply to all populations.

- Food vs. Supplements: Experts often recommend obtaining omega-3s through whole foods rather than high-dose supplements to avoid the risks associated with "too much of a good thing."

Conclusion: The study challenges the idea that omega-3 is universally beneficial for the brain and highlights the need for personalized, dose-dependent medical advice regarding its use for cognitive protection.

Source:
https://www.sciencealert.com/omega-3-supple...scientists-warn

Moderation is key in omega 3 supplement? Also maybe better for us to obtain omega 3 from whole foods.

Why Some People Never Get Fat

Le Don — Tue, 05 May 2026 08:48:16 +0800

Why Some People Never Get Fat No Matter How Much They Eat — And How to Activate That in Yourself

The article explores the scientific reasons why "naturally thin" people maintain a low body weight without conscious effort and provides actionable ways to mimic these biological advantages.

1) The Scientific Findings
Recent studies from the University of Aberdeen and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (published in Cell Metabolism) debunked the myth that super-lean people simply have massive appetites or exercise more. Key findings include:

- Lower Calorie Intake: Despite appearing to "eat whatever they want," super-lean individuals actually eat about 12% fewer calories than those with a normal BMI. Their bodies naturally self-correct (e.g., eating less for dinner if they had a large lunch).

- Lower Activity Levels: Surprisingly, naturally thin people often move less in terms of structured exercise.

- Higher Resting Metabolism: Their bodies burn more energy while at rest, largely due to higher levels of circulating thyroid hormones.

2) The "Secret" Mechanisms
- NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis): This is the energy expended for everything that isn't sleeping, eating, or sports. It includes fidgeting, standing, pacing, and small movements. NEAT can account for a difference of up to 2,000 calories per day between individuals.

- The Fidget Factor: Some people's nervous systems respond to excess calories by automatically increasing unconscious movement (fidgeting). In one study, this "fidget factor" helped some people burn off 700 calories of a 1,000-calorie surplus without trying.

- Hormonal Calibration: Thin people tend to have better-regulated Leptin (fullness) and Ghrelin (hunger) hormones, keeping their "biological seesaw" in balance.

- Genetics: While genes influence weight "set points," they are not destiny. Thin people often lack "obesity-promoting" genes and possess specific genetic regions associated with leanness.

3) How to "Activate" These Traits
The article suggests several ways to shift your biology toward a leaner state:

- Focus on Background Movement: Increase NEAT by standing during phone calls, pacing, or using a standing desk. These small movements stack up more significantly than a short gym session.

- Prioritize Sleep: Poor sleep disrupts Leptin and Ghrelin, leading to uncontrolled hunger signals even when the body doesn't need energy.

- Build Muscle: Muscle tissue burns more energy at rest than fat tissue, effectively raising your resting metabolic rate.

- Eat Whole Foods: Highly processed foods are designed to override satiety signals. Sticking to whole foods helps your natural hunger hormones function correctly.

- Frequent Position Changes: Simply standing up every 30 minutes or shifting positions can help engage the body's calorie-burning mechanisms.

Source:
https://techfixated.com/why-some-people-nev...at-in-yourself/

The price of cheap petrol: Cuts in our healthcare

Le Don — Mon, 04 May 2026 09:04:14 +0800

The price of cheap petrol is cuts in healthcare

Malaysia’s addiction to cheap petrol puts essential spending on health, education and welfare at risk, and difficult decisions on subsidy rationalisation are now unavoidable.

QUOTE

The fiscal realities of Malaysia’s subsidy regime have reached a critical point. What was once a manageable RM700 million monthly bill for fuel subsidies has exploded tenfold to a staggering RM7 billion per month.

At this rate, the subsidy bill for the remainder of the year will hit RM58.4 billion, dwarfing the initial budget allocation of RM15 billion.

In the face of this explosion, the Treasury has issued a directive to find RM10 billion in “cost savings” across the board. While the directive was vague on specifics, the reality of departmental spending is cold and unforgiving.

When you need to save billions quickly, you cannot look at the small agencies, you have to go where the money is.

Unfortunately, the biggest budget lines for civil service pay and pensions and debt servicing which take more than 50% of the total budget cannot be cut so the 2026 Budget allocations for health and higher education are the main targets.

Specifically, a RM3.06 billion or 6.7% cut from the ministry of health and a RM2.39 billion or 12.8% cut from higher education.

In higher education, the cuts are perhaps sustainable. Public universities sit on significant reserves and have the resources to cover these shortfalls. It is seen as “less essential” in the immediate term and the universities can afford to tighten their belts.

However, the cuts to the ministry of health are a different matter entirely.

To find RM3 billion, the government will likely freeze development spending. Maintenance will be deferred and the construction of new hospitals and clinics will be postponed.

Elective surgeries and non-essential treatments will move further down the waiting list.

To be brutally honest, cutting health spending means putting money ahead of people. It means vulnerable patients are put at risk. In the simplest, harshest terms, people may die so that Malaysians can enjoy cheap petrol.

This is the trade-off the government is currently making to maintain a political commitment to keep RON95 below RM2 per litre to prevent hostility from the rakyat.

While there have been attempts at subsidy rationalisation by floating prices for foreigners and trimming quotas, the impact has been negligible. Most people are unaffected, and crucially, behaviour has not changed. Petrol consumption remains high because the price signal is broken.

If the government does not control this spending, it will breach its budget, forcing higher taxes or increased borrowing. This would damage Malaysia’s reputation for sound fiscal management and push up the risk premium on Malaysian Government Securities (MGS).

There are alternatives but they require political courage. The current quota of 200 litres of RON95 at RM1.99 is far too generous. The quota should be slashed to 100 litres, with tiered pricing or full market rates applied above that.

Since the lower-income groups rarely exceed 100 litres, this move would primarily hit the wealthy.

Furthermore, the government should mandate work-from-home (WFH) in the private sector. This simple administrative move could cut petrol demand by 25% to 30% almost overnight without costing a sen.

The narrative needs to shift. The government must tell the public: “To protect your health and your children’s education, the rich must pay their fair share at the pump.”

Finally, we must ask a burning question: why has the subsidy bill risen tenfold when global oil prices have not?

A jump from RM700 million to RM7 billion suggests more than just market fluctuations; it suggests systemic leakages or inefficiencies that need urgent investigation.

We cannot continue to sacrifice the long-term health of our citizens for the short-term comfort of a subsidised tank of fuel. The price of cheap petrol is simply too high.

"people may die so that Malaysians can enjoy cheap petrol"

"the rich must pay their fair share at the pump"

Source:
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/...s-in-healthcare

Boy or girl? Femboy harassed at MRT women coach

Le Don — Sun, 03 May 2026 10:25:16 +0800

"Are you guy or lady???"

SUHAKAM Slams RM5.4b Health & Education Cuts

Le Don — Sat, 02 May 2026 17:57:18 +0800

QUOTE

KUALA LUMPUR (1 MAY 2026) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) expresses deep concern over the compounding impact of current economic challenges on vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, and low-income communities, including undocumented, stateless persons, and refugees in light of recent reports indicating proposed reductions in public expenditure for critical sectors.

Recent developments indicate that the Treasury of Malaysia has proposed RM5.4 billion in budget cuts affecting the health and higher education ministries. The proposed reductions to the Ministry of Health, is of course most worrying as it comes at a time when demand for public healthcare, nutrition support, and essential social services is increasing, particularly, among those most affected by the rising cost of living.

SUHAKAM stresses that fiscal retrenchment in healthcare during periods of economic pressure is particularly concerning. Evidence globally shows that healthcare systems are often among the hardest hit during crises, with long-term consequences for public health outcomes. In Malaysia, such reductions risk further exacerbating existing gaps in access, quality, and equity in healthcare services

Source:
https://suhakam.org.my/2026/05/media-statem...on%20ministries.

Your Mood Is Making You Fat?

Le Don — Fri, 01 May 2026 08:21:18 +0800

The research reveals a vicious cycle where mood disorders and obesity reinforce each other through a biological "feedback loop" that hijacks the brain's reward system, effectively turning comfort eating into a physiological addiction.

Key points:

The Two-Way Street: Mood disorders can lead to obesity through emotional eating, while obesity simultaneously exacerbates mood disorders via metabolic disturbances.

The Addiction Model: Highly palatable foods (those high in fat and sugar) activate the same reward and pleasure centers in the brain as drugs of abuse.

Chemical Triggers: Neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin are central to both regulating what we eat and how we feel.

Hormonal Influence: Peripheral hormones such as leptin (which signals satiety) and ghrelin (which signals hunger) play significant roles in both energy balance and emotional states.

Source:
Mood, food, and obesity
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psycho...2014.00925/full

Heal your mind, heal your body?