Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by Le Don

To Prevent Diabetes, Build More Muscle

Le Don — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:00:30 +0800

A major new international study led by Curtin University, has found diabetes risk is about more than just body weight or obesity, revealing muscle health also likely plays a big role in whether people will develop the condition.

Published in one of the world’s leading diabetes journals, Diabetes Care, the study saw researchers from the Curtin School of Population Health and Dementia Centre of Excellence at the Curtin enAble Institute analyse health data from nearly 480,000 adults over 14 years – all of whom were diabetes-free at the beginning of the study.

The team found people with both excess body fat and poor muscle health – a condition known as sarcopenic obesity – were more than three-and-a-half times as likely to develop type 2 diabetes than people with healthy body composition.

It also found people with sarcopenic obesity were 19 per cent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than people with obesity alone and 91 per cent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than people with low muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia) alone.

Lead author and PhD candidate Zhongyang Guan said the findings challenge the common perception diabetes risk is primarily driven by body weight.

“Most people know carrying excess weight can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, but our findings show muscle health is also an important piece of the puzzle,” Mr Guan said.

“People with both excess body fat and low muscle mass had a substantially higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those with obesity alone.

“This suggests we need to look beyond the number on the scales when assessing diabetes risk, as maintaining muscle strength and muscle mass may be just as important as managing body weight.”

The study found nearly 15 per cent of people with sarcopenic obesity developed type 2 diabetes within 10 years, compared with around 11 per cent of people with obesity alone and just 3 per cent of people without sarcopenia or obesity.

The link was particularly strong among women and adults under the age of 60.

Project senior lead Professor Mario Siervo said the results supported a broader approach to diabetes prevention.

“Healthcare professionals routinely monitor body weight and obesity, but our findings suggest assessing muscle health could help identify people at high risk earlier,” Professor Siervo said.

“As populations age and rates of obesity continue to rise, preserving muscle health through regular physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits could play an important role in reducing the burden of type 2 diabetes.”

Diabetes WA Clinical Services Manager Jessica Weiss said the findings highlighted the important role muscle plays in controlling blood sugar levels and reflected what health practitioners were seeing firsthand.

“We know our muscles use a lot of our glucose for fuel and working them during physical activity is a great way to help use up glucose from our blood and regulate glucose levels,” Ms Weiss said.

“Physical activity also reduces our body’s resistance to insulin, an important element to type 2 diabetes.

“The more muscle we have and the more regularly we use them, the better equipped our body is to prevent or manage type 2 diabetes.”

Source:
https://www.curtin.edu.au/news/media-releas...ew-study-finds/

Hit the gym and build your muscles — because a massive new study proves that strong muscles, not just a lower scale weight, are your ultimate shield against diabetes.

Govt to discuss possible PTPTN abolishment

Le Don — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:06:09 +0800

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government will discuss the possible abolishment of the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) after the issue was raised during the recent Johor state elections.

He said he would discuss the matter with Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir.

"I will try to discuss PTPTN amicably as the Johor Mentri Besar (Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi from Barisan Nasional) is also part of the unity government at the federal level so we want to discuss this properly.

"I will also discuss this with the Higher Education Minister," Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat during Prime Minister's Question Time on Tuesday (July 14).

Anwar was responding to a supplementary question from Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) during discussions on the effects of the Strait of Hormuz closure on the Malaysian economy.

Khoo had sprung the surprise unrelated question after stating that Barisan Nasional had used the issue to discredit Pakatan Harapan during the Johor state elections.

"My second question is on the youth and how can we help this group, especially those who have just graduated from university?

"This is because the Johor Mentri Besar recently criticised Pakatan (during the state election), saying that the government had promised to abolish PTPTN but that we never did.

"The Johor Mentri said that about us (Pakatan) despite the fact that the current Higher Education Minister (Zambry) is from Barisan.

"So, prime minister, can you reconsider this so that we can abolish PTPTN?" Khoo asked.

This comes after Barisan and Pakatan stood on opposite sides during the recent Johor state elections which saw Barisan win a significant victory, claiming 48 of the 56 contested seats.

While Barisan increased its majority in the Johor state assembly by eight seats compared to the 2022 state election, Pakatan lost four of its state seats, dropping from 12 to eight.

For context, the predecessor of Pakatan, Pakatan Rakyat, had previously pledged to abolish PTPTN and introduce free higher education as part of its election manifesto in 2013.

Pakatan has since repeatedly promised to either write off or defer PTPTN loan repayments for B40 borrowers or those earning below a certain threshold during the 2018 and 2022 general elections.

Source:
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026...ment-says-anwar

Sarawak plans new ASSAR unit trust for non-Bumis

Le Don — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 15:32:56 +0800

KUCHING, July 14 — The Sarawak state government is considering a proposal to expand Amanah Saham Sarawak (ASSAR) to the non-Bumiputera community through the establishment of a new fund known as ASSAR 2.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the proposal will be reviewed by the ASSAR board of directors and management to assess its feasibility, using the model implemented by Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) as an example.

“Currently, ASSAR only focuses on Bumiputera. We might open it to the non-Bumiputera community as well through another initiative, perhaps ASSAR 2, so that they too can save in Amanah Saham Sarawak,” he said.

He said this to reporters after the ASSAR Dividend Announcement ceremony for the Financial Year Ending June 30, 2026, here Sunday.

Abang Johari added that the proposal aligns with the Sarawak state government’s policy of practising an inclusive approach, ensuring that more people in the state can benefit from investment opportunities.

“By having two channels, we can pool more funds and provide opportunities for non-Bumiputera Sarawakians to also invest in the state economy, which is currently growing very well,” he said. — Bernama

Source:
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/202...a-savers/227493

Best timing to consume proteins for muscles health

Le Don — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:19:39 +0800

Championing Chrononutrition with Protein, the Morning Elixir for Muscle Growth

Researchers find the best time to consume proteins for building and strengthening muscles is during breakfast

Proteins are essential for body growth and muscle building. However, protein metabolism varies depending on the body’s internal biological clock. Therefore, it is important to know how distribution of protein intake over the day affects muscles. Researchers from Japan have now found that consumption of proteins at breakfast increases muscle size and function in mice and humans, shedding light on the concept of ‘Chrononutrition’ that deals with the timing of diets to ensure organ health.

Proteins constitute an essential dietary component that help in the growth and repair of the body. Composed of long chains of amino acids, proteins promote the growth of skeletal muscles, the group of muscles that help us move. Humans have been aware of the benefits of proteins for long. However, recent studies have shown that having the right amount of protein at the right time of the day is essential for proper growth. This is called ‘Chrononutrition,’ in which when you eat is as important as what and how you eat.

The reason behind this is the body’s internal biological clock, called the ‘circadian rhythm.’ This rhythm is followed by all cells and controls life functions like metabolism and growth. Interestingly, protein digestion and absorption have been found to fluctuate across day and night according to this clock. Moreover, earlier studies have reported that intake of protein at breakfast and lunch promotes skeletal muscle growth in adults. However, details on the effect of the time of protein intake on muscle growth and function have remained elusive till date.

Fortunately, researchers from Waseda University, led by Professor Shigenobu Shibata, recently endeavored to understand the effect of the distribution of protein intake through the day on muscles. They fed laboratory mice two meals per day containing either high (11.5% by proportion) or low (8.5% by proportion) protein concentrations. The researchers noted that protein intake at breakfast induced an increase in muscle growth, determined by assessing induced hypertrophy of the plantaris muscle in the leg, when compared with the effects of protein intake at dinner. Specifically, the ratio of muscle hypertrophy determined against the growth of the control muscle was 17% higher in mice fed 8.5% protein at breakfast, than that in mice fed 11.5% protein at dinner, despite the former group consuming a low proportion of protein overall. They also found that intake of a type of protein called the BCCA, short for branched-chain amino acids, early in the day increased the size of skeletal muscles specifically.

To confirm the association of these effects with the workings of the circadian rhythm, the researchers next engineered whole-body mutant ClockΔ19 or muscle-specific Bmal1 knockout mice lacking the genes that control the biological clock. They repeated diet distribution experiments on these mice but did not observe similar muscle change, which confirmed the involvement of the circadian rhythm in muscle growth in the context of protein intake.

Excited about the findings of their study published in a recent issue of the Cell Reports, Prof. Shibata emphasizes, “Protein-rich diet at an early phase of the daily active period, that is at breakfast, is important to maintain skeletal muscle health and enhance muscle volume and grip strength.”

To check if their findings were applicable to humans, the team recruited women in their study and tested if their muscle function, determined by measuring skeletal muscle index (SMI) and grip strength, varied with the timing of the protein-rich diet consumed. Sixty women aged 65 years and above who took protein at breakfast rather than at dinner showed better muscle functions, suggesting the possibility of the findings to be true across species. Additionally, the researchers also found a strong association between SMI and the proportion of protein intake at breakfast relative to total protein intake through the day.

Prof. Shibata is hopeful that the findings of their study will lead to a widespread modification in the current diet regime of most people across the Western and Asian countries, who traditionally consume low amounts of protein at breakfast. He therefore stresses, “For humans, in general, the protein intake at breakfast averages about 15 grams, which is less than what we consume at dinner, which is roughly 28 grams. Our findings strongly support changing this norm and consuming more protein at breakfast or morning snacking time.”

It seems, a simple change in our dietary regime can be our key to ensuring healthy muscles!

Source:
https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/news/74633

Why exercise doesn’t burn more calories

Le Don — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:33:51 +0800

From primate biology to modern weight loss debates, Herman Pontzer, PhD, traces how evolution shaped a metabolism built for movement, adaptation, and survival

Evolutionary anthropologist Herman Pontzer, PhD, thought he knew what he’d find when he traveled to Tanzania to live among the Hadza, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer communities on Earth.

The Hadza walk miles each day across the dry savannah, hunting game and gathering roots, berries, and honey. Surely, Pontzer figured, they must burn more calories than sedentary Americans.

He was wrong.

After weeks of collecting urine samples and tracking physical activity, the results stunned him: the Hadza burned about the same number of calories per day as people in the United States who spend most of their time sitting.

That finding — later confirmed in other hunter-gatherers and industrialized populations — upended conventional wisdom about exercise and energy use. It also launched Pontzer, a faculty member in the Duke Global Health Institute, into the center of a scientific rethink about metabolism, aging, and what it means to be human.

The metabolic budget

Pontzer’s research suggests that the human body operates on a fixed energy budget. When we ramp up physical activity, the body compensates by dialing down energy spent elsewhere — on immune function, reproduction, even stress responses.

That’s why exercise doesn’t translate into the calorie-burning bonanza many expect.

But that doesn’t mean exercise is unimportant. In fact, those trade-offs may explain why exercise is so good for us. Regular movement lowers chronic inflammation, stabilizes hormones, and reduces risk for diseases from cancer to heart disease.

“You have to think about diet and exercise as two different tools for two different jobs,” said Pontzer. “Diet is the tool for managing your weight. Exercise is the tool for everything else related to health — from mental health to cardiometabolic disease.”

Evolution’s blueprint

From an evolutionary perspective, the pattern makes sense: our ancestors needed to walk long distances without burning through all their reserves.

Our flexible metabolism — able to adapt to different diets and store fat for times when food is scarce — helped us survive and thrive. It also shaped how we age.

Early in his career, Pontzer, who came to Duke University in 2017 as a scholar in residence and joined the evolutionary anthropology faculty a year later, measured daily energy expenditures in primates, a diverse group of mammals such as lemurs, tarsiers, monkeys, apes, and humans.

His subjects ranged from sedentary humans to zoo-dwelling chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans.

Like other primates, humans burn energy slowly compared to other mammals, a trait linked to longer lifespans. But within that slow-burn strategy, we stand out: our higher metabolism fuels big brains and frequent reproduction, key advantages in the evolutionary game.

Pontzer explores these themes in his books “Burn,” and “Adaptable” — the latter long-listed for a 2026 PEN America Literacy Science Writing Award, and in a buzzy 2025 study showing that daily energy expenditure is strikingly similar across lifestyles, from hunter-gatherers to office workers.

The takeaway from the study, conducted with a group of international collaborators, is that obesity in wealthy nations such as the U.S. where 2 out of 5 adults have obesity is driven less by inactivity and more by the easy access to calorie-dense, ultra-processed foods.

For Pontzer, science isn’t just about weight loss. It’s about understanding what makes us human — and why our bodies work the way they do.

“When we don’t have fluency in how our bodies work, it’s hard to have meaningful conversations,” he said. “How we understand our bodies is how we understand each other.”

Source:
https://medschool.duke.edu/stories/why-exer...thats-not-point

RM19.87b withdrawn from EPF Flexible Accounts

Le Don — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:22:40 +0800

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM19.87 billion was withdrawn from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) Flexible Account by 5.5 million members as of May 31.

The Finance Ministry said the remaining balance in the account for the same period stood at RM14.36 billion.

Citing the research report "Enduring Today, Shaping Tomorrow: Akaun Fleksibel as a Financial Lifeline for Wellbeing" published in April, the ministry said statistics from May 2024 to October 2025 showed that 37 per cent, or five million members, made at least one withdrawal.

Conversely, 63 per cent or 8.4 million members did not make any withdrawals.

Among members who did not make withdrawals, 44 per cent had sufficient balances but chose to keep their savings, while 56 per cent had zero or low balances below the minimum withdrawal amount of RM50.

The report also indicated that members utilised the Flexible Account facility primarily to support living needs and daily expenses, followed by healthcare costs and debt repayment.

The ministry said this in a Parliamentary written reply yesterday to a question from William Leong Jee Keen (PH-Selayang) regarding government steps to ensure the resilience of EPF retirement funds given the recent withdrawal trends through Account 3.

According to EPF analysis, withdrawal patterns for the Flexible Account, which was introduced on May 11, 2024, have stabilised after the initial implementation phase.

Monthly withdrawals gradually declined to an average of about RM440 million per month for the period from January to December 2025.

To ensure the resilience of the retirement fund and long-term sustainability, the government and EPF are maintaining the core savings structure and continuously monitoring withdrawal trends.

Other measures include strengthening members' financial literacy, encouraging voluntary and additional contributions, practising prudent and sustainable investment management, and conducting periodic policy reviews.

These steps are crucial to ensure a balance between members' short-term financial needs and the adequacy of long-term retirement savings, the ministry added.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/07/...ble-account-may

Strong torso muscles lower heart attack risk

Le Don — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 08:30:48 +0800

Strong torso muscles linked to lower heart attack risk

People with strong muscles in their chest and back are less likely to have heart attacks, according to a new study.

Researchers used artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse routine heart scans from more than 1700 people, mostly in their fifties, who had chest pain. They found that people with greater muscle density in their chest and back were less likely to have a heart attack or die in the decade after having the scan.

The research team say that people with higher-quality skeletal muscle tend to be more physically active and have stronger torso muscles. Their findings suggest this may contribute to a lower risk of heart attack and early death.

Muscle density

Around 350,000 people have a CCTA scan in the UK each year to identify any narrowing or blockages in the coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle with blood, which may put them at risk of a heart attack.

The University of Edinburgh-led research team took a deeper dive into CCTA scan images, using AI to examine people’s muscle, organs, bones and the fat within their upper bodies. This included looking at skeletal muscle attenuation – the brightness or darkness of the muscle in a scan.

A brighter image indicates that someone has better quality, more dense muscle, which may contain a lower proportion of fat. Fat within people’s muscle has previously been linked to poor cardiovascular health.

The new study grouped people based on how their muscle appeared in scan images, and investigated rates of heart attacks and early deaths using health records.

Reduced risk

For every 10-point increase in scan brightness, indicating better quality muscle with less fat, a person was calculated to be 31 per cent less likely to have a heart attack. They were also 39 per cent less likely to die in the 10 years after having the scan.

This was seen even after taking into account other factors which may increase people’s risk of heart attacks and death, including their age, sex and the amount of calcium which had built up in their arteries.

The AI used in the study took no longer than a minute to measure the quality of someone’s muscle from a single scan. A radiologist would take several hours to do the same thing.

Heart protection

More evidence is needed on how people’s muscle quality may affect their heart health or risk of dying prematurely, researchers say. It is likely that people who exercise enough to have strong muscles in their upper body have a healthy lifestyle which protects their heart in other ways, they add.

All kinds of exercise, not just strength-training, can improve muscle density. The size of people’s muscles was not linked to their risk of a heart attack or early death, suggesting it is the composition of the muscle which matters.

The results suggest that routine heart scans could in future be used to identify people with less good-quality muscle who may be at greater risk of heart attacks, experts say. Higher risk people could then be helped to exercise more, be monitored more closely, or prioritised for drugs such as statins, which can reduce the risk of a heart attack, they add.

However, more research is needed before scans could be relied upon in this way.

The study, part-funded by the British Heart Foundation, was published in the journal Radiology.

QUOTE

It is fascinating that people’s skeletal muscle could be linked to their risk of having a heart attack. The muscles which show up in the scans we used – coronary computed tomography angiogram scans – are principally the back muscles, part of the pectoral muscles (or ‘pecs’) and the intercostal muscles between the ribs.

So, I am now personally interested in exercises like cycling, planks and pilates, which I enjoy and may have an effect on these muscles. However, we need far more research to better understand how exercise may affect muscle density, and how this may relate to heart health.

Professor Michelle Williams
Senior author of the study and Professor of Cardiovascular Imaging

QUOTE

Artificial intelligence can rapidly reveal information buried in scan results which provides a more detailed picture of our health than ever before.

It is likely that people in this study with more dense muscle mass were more physically active and as a result may have better heart health. That is yet more evidence supporting the power of exercise. Every time we move, we are making a positive difference to our muscles, our blood vessels and our overall health, and regular exercise can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to a third.

Professor Bryan Williams OBE
Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at the British Heart Foundation

Source:
https://www.ed.ac.uk/news/strong-torso-musc...art-attack-risk

Govt launching RM60 base medical insurance soon

Le Don — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:29:22 +0800

Govt to launch base-medical insurance plan by end-July, monthly premiums start at RM60

KUALA LUMPUR (July 6): The government will launch a pilot programme for its Base Medical and Health Insurance and Takaful (MHIT) plan in the Klang Valley by the end of July, with monthly premiums expected to start from around RM60.

Knowns as MediAsas, it will be offered as a standalone medical insurance and takaful protection plan with two product options — MediAsas Teras (a standard plan) and MediAsas Fleksi (a standard-plus plan). The scheme will provide medical coverage for individuals up to the age of 85.

"The MediAsas premiums will be determined based on the latest medical claims experience and healthcare cost inflation trends, with indicative premiums expected to remain within the target monthly range of around RM60 to RM550 for individuals within the entry age of up to 70 years," the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a joint statement on Monday.

Final pricing will be confirmed before the nationwide implementation in January 2027. The pilot phase will run from end-July until October 2026.

Six insurers and takaful operators will participate in the pilot programme, together with selected hospitals in the Klang Valley. They include AIA Bhd, Allianz Life Insurance Malaysia Bhd, Great Eastern Life Assurance (Malaysia) Bhd, Prudential BSN Takaful Bhd, Etiqa Family Takaful Bhd and Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Keluarga Bhd.

The government said the pilot programme will test "operational readiness, including systems integration, customer experience and operational processes" in a controlled environment. Feedback gathered during the pilot phase will be used to refine implementation arrangements before the nationwide rollout.

The Base MHIT initiative forms part of the government's broader Reset strategy, undertaken jointly with Bank Negara Malaysia, to address rising medical inflation and strengthen the long-term sustainability of Malaysia's healthcare system.

The strategy focuses on value based healthcare in improving patient outcomes, optimising cost-effective healthcare services and enhancing access to quality care.

"MediAsas will provide a firm foundation to support longer term healthcare financing reforms," Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah said in the statement. "Through broader eligibility criteria and distinct product features, MediAsas is designed to be affordable over time and expands access to medical protection for a wider segment of Malaysians".

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad added that the initiative represents "an important step towards ensuring Malaysians have access to quality and affordable healthcare".

Dzulkefly said cost-containment measures, including the phased implementation of the Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG) system in private hospitals, are expected to support more sustainable healthcare costs over time with stronger focus on value-based care.

As it stands, the government is also establishing an independent governance board to oversee the programme and safeguard consumers' interests after its full implementation. Further updates will be announced following the completion of the pilot programme ahead of the nationwide rollout in January 2027.

Progress on related healthcare initiatives

The statement also shared that the MOH has established the Malaysia Digital Health Certification Network (MDHCN), a national trust framework aimed at enabling secure interoperability between public and private healthcare providers under the "One Person, One Record" principle.

Through the framework, patients will be able to securely access and share their health information across different healthcare settings while ensuring medical records remain portable, protected and accessible.

"Private hospitals that are part of the MediAsas network will be expected to participate in MDHCN to improve the quality of care and service, while reducing duplicative diagnostic procedures," the statement read.

The government also said it has completed a comprehensive review of licensing and registration processes for private healthcare facilities under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586).

The review identified opportunities to streamline regulatory procedures, reduce administrative burdens and improve service delivery. Subject to approvals, digitalisation as well as review of standards and regulation initiatives will be pursued to modernise licensing processes for healthcare providers.

Separately, the government is also facilitating collaboration among the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia, insurers, takaful operators and regulators to improve the structure and presentation of private hospital bills.

"The initiative aims to improve transparency, provide greater clarity on healthcare charges and support more informed healthcare decisions by consumers," the statement said. The working group has committed to developing a common framework for the categorisation and presentation of hospital charges by August 2026, it added.

https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/809584

Drinking More Coffee Cuts Liver Disease and Cancer

Le Don — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 08:17:12 +0800

Your daily cup of coffee may lower your risk for liver disease or liver cancer, a large new study has found — even if you drink five or more cups a day.

The findings are based on more than 354,000 participants whom researchers followed for more than a decade, according to the study published Wednesday in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

“This is probably the most comprehensive long-term follow-up data of the coffee’s impact,” said first study author Dr. Hyunseok Kim, a transplant hepatologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. “We do see that probably, the liver benefit from the coffee is not from the caffeine, because we do see the similar benefit in the decaffeinated drinkers. So it seems more related to the anti-oxidative effect of the coffee.”

In the study, the researchers measured liver disease by the number of cases of cirrhosis — permanent liver scarring and damage that can result from several long-term liver diseases, including fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease and more, especially when untreated. Cirrhosis affects more than 58 million people worldwide, and it kills nearly 1.5 million people worldwide yearly.

Hepatocellular carcinoma, the type of liver cancer the authors measured, is the most common liver cancer, with nearly 685,000 cases and more than 597,000 deaths occurring globally every year.

The researchers found that the potential protective effect of coffee generally increased the more participants drank:
- One to two cups daily was associated with a 20% lower risk of cirrhosis, a 24% lower risk of liver cancer and 31% lower odds of liver-related death.
- Three to four cups daily was linked with a 35% lower risk of cirrhosis and of liver cancer, and a 41% lower chance of liver-related death.
- Five cups or more was correlated with a 32% lower risk of cirrhosis, a 47% decrease in risk for liver cancer and 42% lower odds for liver-related death.

“Those are meaningful numbers for something as ordinary as a daily cup of coffee,” said Lauren Manaker, a registered dietitian nutritionist who wasn’t involved in the study, via email. But “these are associations, not proof of cause.”

Consuming coffee safely

The researchers also found that these risk reductions among those who sweetened their coffee with sugar or substitutes were slightly lower but otherwise similar.

But you should still be smart about your intake of sugar, artificial sweeteners and highly processed creamers.

Participants who used sweeteners had an elevated marker for liver inflammation, which can contribute to fatty liver disease, said Kim, also an assistant professor in the Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar intake to no more than 6% of daily calories — 9 teaspoons or 36 grams for men and 6 teaspoons or 26 grams for women. The US Food and Drug Administration recommends limiting caffeine intake to no more than 400 milligrams per day for generally healthy adults — which amounts to about two to three 12-ounce cups of coffee. But caffeine sensitivity and metabolism can widely vary.

To avoid caffeine interfering with your sleep, stop drinking it at least six hours before your normal bedtime — some experts say no caffeine after 3 p.m.

Other coffee questions need answers

In the new research, advanced MRI imaging and other analyses showed coffee drinkers also had healthier liver protein profiles and less liver fat and inflammation.

“Combining the three layers of evidence is the real strength,” said Manaker, owner of Nutrition Now Counseling, a nutrition communications business based in Charleston, South Carolina. “When the imaging and the proteins line up with the clinical outcomes, the overall picture becomes more believable than any one measure would be alone.”

The study does have a few important limitations. Coffee intake was measured only at the beginning and when the MRIs were conducted 10 or more years later, which is a lot of time for other influential factors to arise.

“We should treat that one early measurement as a rough guide to long-term habits rather than a precise record,” Manaker said.

Additionally, more than 90% of participants were European and relatively health-conscious, and only 10% of the entire group underwent MRIs, Kim said.

“There can be a little bit of bias to it,” he added. “Whether this benefit will be the same in the diverse ethnic group, like the US population, needs further validation.”

But the antioxidants in coffee, regardless of caffeine content, may decrease the activation of pathways or proteins that lead to inflammation and scarring, Kim said.

The liver isn’t the only thing coffee may be good for — many other studies have found it’s associated with a lower risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease and failure, stroke, dementia and other chronic diseases.

Source:
https://www.cnn.com/2026/07/01/health/coffe...cancer-wellness

Another stabbing incident at a secondary school

Le Don — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 13:07:25 +0800

BANTING: A student was injured in a stabbing incident at a secondary school here on Monday (July 6).

The incident is believed to have involved a teenage girl, whose identity has yet to be established.

Kuala Langat OCPD Supt Mohd Akmalrizal Radzi confirmed the incident, saying the victim is in stable condition.

"Yes, the incident happened. I will issue a preliminary statement for confirmation later. The victim is stable," he said when contacted on Monday.

Earlier, videos circulating on social media showed a teenage girl dressed in black walking around the school compound while holding a knife.

The footage also showed several students running and attempting to get to safety during the incident.

Police have yet to disclose further details, including the motive behind the incident and the identity of the suspect. A statement is expected to be issued later.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026...student-injured

Should Street Food Be Regulated To Fight Obesity?

Le Don — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 08:31:31 +0800

Khazanah Report On Street Food In Malaysia: Nutritional Concerns And Links To Obesity, NCDs

The vibrant street food culture remains an integral part of the nation’s identity and food security, but mounting concerns over its nutritional quality warrant greater policy attention alongside long-standing food safety issues, according to a new study by the Khazanah Research Institute (KRI).

In its report, Street Food in Malaysia, Part I: Nutritional Concerns and Policy Considerations, researchers Teoh Ai Ni and Nik Syafiah Anis Nik Sharifulden argue that while street food supports livelihoods, tourism and cultural heritage, many popular offerings are high in fat, sugar and salt, potentially contributing to the country’s rising burden of obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The report notes that street food has become a staple of the Malaysian diet due to its affordability, convenience and widespread availability across all income groups, particularly in urban areas where demand for out-of-home meals is high. It also plays a vital socioeconomic role by creating employment opportunities, supporting local economies and preserving Malaysia’s multicultural food heritage.

A cornerstone of Malaysia’s food system

Street food encompasses a broad spectrum of offerings, from traditional hawker stalls and roadside kiosks to mobile food trucks and night market vendors.

According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia’s Economic Census 2023, permanent food stalls and hawkers account for 41% of all food service establishments in the country, although the actual number is likely much higher as mobile and temporary vendors are excluded from official statistics.

The researchers said street food continues to play a crucial role in ensuring affordable food access while serving as a community gathering point and a key attraction for culinary tourism. Traditional dishes such as nasi lemak, roti canai and teh tarik have become cultural ambassadors, with Malaysia even nominating its “Malaysian Breakfast Culture” for UNESCO recognition.

High fat, sugar and salt remain key concerns

Despite its cultural and economic importance, the report found that many street food items contain medium to high levels of saturated fats, sodium and added sugars.

Deep-fried foods dominate the street food landscape due to their lower preparation costs, appealing taste and longer shelf life. Processed meat products commonly sold by street vendors, including sausages, burger patties and nuggets, also contribute to elevated saturated fat intake.

Street desserts present another concern, with 93% of sampled products containing medium to high sugar levels because of extensive use of added sugars. Popular treats such as kuih, banana fritters, popcorn and apam balik ranked among those with the highest sugar content.

Meanwhile, sodium levels remain high across many street food categories, including fried noodles, noodle soups, rice dishes and processed snacks. The widespread use of sauces and condiments further increases salt consumption, the report said.

The researchers also observed that social media trends have amplified demand for indulgent and visually appealing street foods, while healthier alternatives remain comparatively less popular and less visible.

Nutrition overlooked in current policies

While food safety regulations governing street food are relatively well established, nutritional quality receives far less regulatory attention.

Current food handler training programmes focus primarily on hygiene and contamination prevention, with little emphasis on preparing healthier meals or reducing unhealthy ingredients. Unlike packaged foods, street food is also exempt from mandatory nutrition labelling requirements, making it harder for consumers to assess healthier options.

The report acknowledges that regulating street food nutrition is inherently more challenging because of the informal nature of the sector, where recipes, cooking methods and ingredient composition vary significantly between vendors.

Education and consumer demand key to healthier street food

Rather than imposing burdensome regulations, the researchers recommend a balanced approach centred on education and gradual behavioural change.

Among the proposals are expanding mandatory food handler training to include nutrition modules covering healthier cooking techniques, ingredient reformulation and the use of fresh produce. The report also highlights Singapore’s “Siu Dai by Default” initiative as a practical example of helping hawkers reduce sugar content through recipe guidance and simple tools.

The researchers also stress the importance of improving consumer health literacy, arguing that stronger demand for healthier options would encourage vendors to adjust their menus voluntarily. Public health campaigns tailored specifically to the street food environment could make healthier choices more accessible without undermining hawkers’ livelihoods.

Balancing public health and livelihoods

The report concludes that Malaysia’s street food ecosystem requires a more holistic policy approach that integrates nutrition alongside food safety while recognising the sector’s important economic and cultural contributions.

“A double-pronged approach is needed,” the researchers said, combining nutrition education for food handlers with stronger consumer awareness to create sustained demand for healthier street food options.

(The story has a second part)

Source:
https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2026/07/05...o-obesity-ncds/

Colon Cancer Spikes Among Young Malaysians

Le Don — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 14:31:26 +0800

KUALA LUMPUR: About 11 per cent of colon cancer cases in the country now involve people below the age of 40, a significant portion of whom are only diagnosed at stage three or four.

National Cancer Society Malaysia president Professor Dr M. Murallitharan said that while colon cancer has traditionally been more prevalent among older people, recent data shows the disease is increasingly affecting younger and middle-aged adults.

According to data from the National Cancer Institute, colon cancer is now the second most common cancer among Malaysians, with cases increasing by 53.9 per cent from 15,515 between 2012 and 2016 to 23,871 between 2017 and 2021.

The increase was recorded across both genders, with cases among men rising by about 56.4 per cent and among women by about 50.6 per cent.

Murallitharan said of the 23,871 cases recorded in the latest Cancer Registry Report, about 3,653 cases, or 15.3 per cent, involved individuals under 50, with the highest number recorded among those aged 45 to 49.

"While the majority of cases still occur among older groups, the trend of colon cancer among younger and middle-aged adults is increasingly gaining attention, including in Malaysia," he said.

He said the global rise in cases among younger adults may be linked to several factors previously believed to only affect older populations.

Murallitharan cited a local study which found that 11 per cent of colon cancer cases involved people under 40, many of whom were diagnosed only at stages three or four.

"So, colon cancer can no longer be considered a disease that only affects the elderly," he said.

He said risk factors include age, genetics and family history, as well as modifiable factors such as poor diet, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking and alcohol consumption.

"Consuming more fibre-rich foods, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy body weight, and avoiding smoking and alcohol are among preventive measures people can take," he said.

He said awareness of screening remains low, with a local study finding only 51.4 per cent of respondents willing to undergo screening, while 59 per cent felt it unnecessary due to a lack of symptoms.

People aged between 40 and 75 are advised to undergo an annual immunochemical Faecal Occult Blood Test, while a colonoscopy is recommended for those with a family history of the disease or other known risk factors.

Source:
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/07/...ans-says-expert

Make Drinking Water Free At All Eateries

Le Don — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:05:23 +0800

The Galen Centre says such a move could help reduce sugar intake and tackle obesity.

A Malaysian health policy think tank has urged the government to require restaurants and food outlets to provide free drinking water, saying it is one of the easiest ways to encourage healthier habits

According to Bernama, the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy said such a move could help reduce Malaysians' sugar intake and lower the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Its chief executive officer, Azrul Mohd Khalib, said Malaysia's health challenges are not only caused by excessive food intake, but also by the high consumption of sugary drinks.

Citing findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023, he said one in five Malaysian adults do not drink enough plain water daily. Other national nutrition data also shows that sugar-sweetened beverages continue to be a regular part of many Malaysians' diets.

As a result, more than half (54.4%) of Malaysian adults are now overweight or obese, while 15.6% are living with diabetes

"Obesity increases the risk of developing metabolic diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and cancer, while also contributing to premature deaths," Azrul said.

He added that the growing burden of obesity and related diseases also drives up healthcare costs, placing greater financial pressure on families, employers, insurers, and the country's public healthcare system.

Azrul said that when drinking water is unavailable or sold at a high price, customers may be more likely to order sugar-sweetened beverages instead
These, he said, included soft drinks, flavoured beverages, bubble tea, milk tea, fruit juices, and other high-calorie drinks.

He also called on the Ministry of Health and local authorities to introduce laws or licensing requirements requiring all restaurants and licensed food establishments to provide free drinking water.

According to him, this would help make water the default drink of choice for Malaysians.

Acknowledging that free drinking water alone would not solve Malaysia's NCD crisis, Azrul said it would be an important first step towards creating a healthier food environment

He pointed to countries that have already implemented similar measures, noting that Spain requires bars and restaurants to offer free tap water, while licensed premises serving alcohol in the UK must provide free tap water upon request where reasonably available.

"Customers should not have to pay extra just to choose the healthiest drink. Making free drinking water available in restaurants is one of the simplest public health interventions we can implement. It is practical, affordable, and fair. We can do it today. Let's make the healthy choice the easy choice," he said.

Source:
https://says.com/my/news/make-drinking-wate...alth-think-tank

Got a Fat Belly, High Cholesterol, or High BP?

Le Don — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:15:17 +0800

The Denmark study

Objective
To examine associations between thigh circumference and incident cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease and total mortality.

Design
Prospective observational cohort study with Cox proportional hazards model and restricted cubic splines.

Setting
Random subset of adults in Denmark.

Participants
1436 men and 1380 women participating in the Danish MONICA project, examined in 1987-8 for height, weight, and thigh, hip, and waist circumference, and body composition by impedance.

Main outcome measures
10 year incidence of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease and 12.5 years of follow-up for total death.

Results
A small thigh circumference was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart diseases and total mortality in both men and women. A threshold effect for thigh circumference was evident, with greatly increased risk of premature death below around 60 cm. Above the threshold there seemed to be no additional benefit of having larger thighs in either sex. These findings were independent of abdominal and general obesity, lifestyle, and cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure and lipid concentration.

Conclusion
A low thigh circumference seems to be associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease or premature death. The adverse effects of small thighs might be related to too little muscle mass in the region. The measure of thigh circumference might be a relevant anthropometric measure to help general practitioners in early identification of individuals at an increased risk of premature morbidity and mortality.

Source:
Thigh circumference and risk of heart disease and premature death: prospective cohort study
https://www.bmj.com/content/339/bmj.b3292?_...Ek_o_D81hSyDYUo

Another study in china seems to support this:

QUOTE

A larger thigh circumference may be associated with lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease in people with obesity, according to a new study. In overweight and obese Chinese men and women, larger thigh circumferences were associated with lower blood pressure. These findings suggest that carrying more weight on the thighs may be a marker of better heart health in Chinese obese and overweight people, who are at a greater risk of heart disease.

Source:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/...00404155609.htm

While a big belly, high blood pressure and high cholesterol increase health risks, having thicker thighs can significantly protect against premature death—so don't forget to do leg day in the gym

Mounjaro in Malaysia: Highly Effective but Pricey

Le Don — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:42:46 +0800

1) For many users, the primary benefit wasn’t just physical weight loss, but the sudden psychological relief from constant cravings.

QUOTE

While on it, I felt like I got something back that was naturally missing from my body. It was so refreshing to live life without experiencing the food noise. I thought everyone experienced it as bad as I did and then after I took it, it was just gone. A lot of people don't understand what life is like when all your thoughts are about food and then suddenly bam, you can focus on other things.

— PakistaniSmurf

QUOTE

The food noise is gone now. Before, I would be thinking about getting a double cheeseburger or 6pc nuggets even if I've already had dinner an hour before. Now, I don't find junk food or sweets that alluring, or even rewarding.

— cyber_loafer

2) A major warning echoed by several users is that Mounjaro only works while you are actively on it; it does not permanently change your baseline habits.

QUOTE

I start. I lost about 10 kg after 2 months. So I weight 107kg, then now im back to 112kg after 2 months stop taking it.... My personal experience is it does really cuts your appetite... But still have to discipline and exercise if you really want to kaw2 lost weight

— drskullz

QUOTE

If you dont do lifestyle changes that you need to maintain your health, you will be bouncing back to your old state heck sometimes even worse than before

— SeiekiSakyubasu

3) For some commenters, weight loss was actually a secondary goal to treating chronic hormonal and metabolic illnesses.

QUOTE

In my case, I was recommended to go on it by my doctor to help cope with my severe PCOS... For me, it helped regulate my hormones and menstrual cycle. And yes, I successfully got pregnant twice after going on it. It had been almost a decade of secondary infertility...

— nightfishing89

QUOTE

I was prediabetic. My glycinated Hb was 6.2 (6.3 would be type 2 diabetes) and my blood results from last month show I'm now at 5.2

— cyber_loafer

4) Unlike in some Western countries where insurance might partially cover these drugs, Malaysian users are paying massive premiums out-of-pocket at private clinics.

QUOTE

It's quite pricey in Malaysia starting from RM900 in some clinics for 2.5mg dose to RM4500 for a 15mg dose

— PakistaniSmurf

QUOTE

More like RM1.2k for 4 shots. 1 self-injection per week. So 1.2k will last you a month. Works best if used to augment your weight loss strategy, plan and mindset instead of treating it as a fix-all magic potion

- priapizoid

QUOTE

Wait, I'm on mounjaro too and 5mg but I'm being charged at rm1.5k

— deuxty

5) Because these medications have been popularized by social media influencers, users frequently navigate judgment from peers who accuse them of taking the lazy route.

QUOTE

I opted not to tell anyone as I've heard how my colleagues and other people have called it a 'shortcut' to losing weight (which is very frustrating and painful to hear)

— Soft-Independence376

QUOTE

I know people around me who keep it hush in fear that they'll be judged by other people for taking a 'shortcut', but my own personal perspective is that you can say whatever you want... You'll always have people who'll judge you eitherways and no one knows your inner demons better than you do

- PakistaniSmurf

Source:

Weight loss stories in the thread:

QUOTE(ImAn @ Jun 30 2026, 10:41 AM)

My wife has been on Mounjaro for the past 3 months because of obesity and knee issues. Her doctor recommended starting with Mounjaro to help her bring the weight down before focusing on exercise. After her latest injection, she has already lost 11kg without any exercise, and even her knee pain has reduced. Now she’s able to do brisk walking with me 3 times a week and cycling on weekends.

For us, Mounjaro really helped as a kick‑start for people who struggle with obesity, especially those who can’t immediately jump into exercise. Yes, some people say dieting alone can also reduce 11kg in 3 months, but not everyone can tahan the first month of strict diet. This gave her the push she needed to start being active again.
[right][snapback]113128913[/snapback][/right]

QUOTE(Slowpokeking @ Jun 30 2026, 12:11 PM)

I’m taking this nao for two months liao.

Weight dropped from 170kgs to 155kgs. Very gooding. I was very frustrated for quite some time because working out for months without noticeable results. Guess my metabolism dropped a lot.

Helps suppress food noise and appetite.
[right][snapback]113129379[/snapback][/right]

Obesity - a ticking time bomb in Malaysia

Le Don — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 13:11:43 +0800

[attachmentid=11528900]

FOR the longest time, obesity has been linked to a lack of self-control. Overweight people are viewed as lacking the willpower to eat less and be more active.

But health experts now recognise obesity as a disease — a complex, chronic condition that needs to be managed like any other disease with the right support and treatment.

We can't make any progress when we shame those who are obese, downplay their efforts to lose weight or mock them when they fail to achieve weight loss goals. Obesity is a significant public health problem in Malaysia.

We have the highest rates of obesity and overweight people in the Asean region. And one in two Malaysians is either obese or overweight, according to the 2024 National Health and Morbidity Survey.

It is not a number we can be proud of as obesity significantly increases the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Yet, Malaysians don't feel scared when they are diagnosed with NCDs, unlike cancer, for example, says Health Ministry non-communicable disease division director Dr Noraryana Hassan.

This nonchalant approach to NCDs is compounding the task of managing obesity in the country.

Dr Noraryana says the ministry has implemented many programmes over the years to tackle the problem, with a significant focus on obesity care and management. However, Malaysia's battle with the bulge remains challenging.
[attachmentid=11528901]

"It's no longer a question of just telling people to eat less and move more. For some patients, pharmacological and surgical treatments need to be considered."

SUPPORT, NOT SHAME

From a national health perspective, creating an environment where people feel safe to seek care early is critical.

"When people feel blamed or misunderstood, they delay care," says Dr Noraryana.

Understanding concepts such as "food noise" and recognising obesity as a chronic disease helps remove this stigma.

For many people living with obesity, one of the most misunderstood challenges is food noise, a constant and involuntary preoccupation with food driven by biological signals in the brain rather than a lack of discipline.

This persistent hunger signalling can make repeated weight loss attempts extremely difficult, often leading to weight regain without medical support.

When conversations are grounded in science and compassion, Malaysians are more likely to come forward earlier, which is essential in addressing NCDs.

"We must change the way we view obesity. It's not a personal choice or a lack of willpower. It's a complex health condition influenced by many factors, from genetics, diet and lifestyle to the environment we live in," says Dr Noraryana.

Novo Nordisk Pharma (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd general manager Dr Praful Chakkarwar believes the same.

In Malaysia, obesity is often reduced to willpower, discipline or appearance when it is a chronic disease influenced by biology and is closely linked to cardiovascular health, he says

Managing it means understanding drivers such as food noise and focusing on improving overall health, including reducing fat in areas that impact cardiovascular risk, not just chasing a lower number on the scale.

Dr Praful says persistent hunger signalling and preoccupation with food are driven by biology in the brain, not by personal weakness.

Research in Malaysia shows that repeated weight loss attempts often end in weight regain because these biological signals push the body to defend its weight.

"This is why willpower alone is often not enough and why medical guidance matters."

Obesity is not just a health issue either, he points out.

According to the World Obesity Federation, the total economic burden of overweight and obesity in Malaysia is estimated at US$5.68 billion or about 1.6 per cent of the gross domestic product.

Importantly, more than 86 per cent of this cost comes not from hospital bills, but from productivity losses — missed workdays, reduced performance at work, early retirement and premature mortality.
[attachmentid=11528902]

SHEDDING WEIGHT WHERE IT MATTERS MOST

If current trends continue, this burden is projected to rise significantly, reaching close to four per cent of the gross domestic product by 2060.

"This tells us that obesity is not only a personal health issue, but a national sustainability issue," says Dr Praful.

BEYOND THE SCALE

For people struggling with obesity, health outcomes depend not just on weight loss, but on losing weight in the right places.

Consultant upper gastrointestinal surgeon Dr Reynu Rajan says, from a clinical perspective, health risks are driven largely by excess fat around vital organs, not just total body weight.

It is important to lose excess fat and not muscle during one's weight loss journey, she explains.

"We should look beyond the numbers on a weighing scale during management of obesity."

When care starts early and focuses on reducing harmful visceral fat, whether through lifestyle support, medical treatment or surgery, we see far better long-term outcomes, she says.

Ultimately, it should be about improving health and quality of life, not cosmetic weight loss.

Consultant endocrinologist and Health Ministry endocrine subspeciality deputy head Datuk Dr Noor Lita Adam says early recognition is crucial.

When obesity is understood and addressed earlier, we have a better opportunity to reduce long-term health risks and support healthier outcomes in a way that is more sustainable and medically meaningful, she says.

Integrated prevention and care efforts should also be the order of the day.

Public health medicine specialist and Health Ministry disease control division cardiorenal metabolic control sector head Dr Sivarajan Ramasamy says obesity is a key driver of many cardiometabolic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and kidney complications.

Addressing it effectively requires a coordinated, whole-of-system approach that brings together early detection, clinical management and sustained public awareness.

CALL TO ACTION

Novo Nordisk Malaysia has launched "Sayang, Kan?", a nationwide public awareness campaign calling for a more compassionate, science-based approach to how obesity is understood and addressed in Malaysia.

The campaign encourages Malaysians to seek medical advice and support not as a last resort, but as an intentional act of self-care, grounded in science and dignity.

Through Sayang, Kan?, Novo Nordisk Malaysia aims to normalise informed, compassionate conversations between people living with obesity and healthcare professionals, and to shift focus away from appearance-driven narratives toward health, biology and long-term well-being.

Source:
#HEALTH: Obesity - a ticking time bomb
By Meera Murugesan
June 26, 2026 @ 10:07am
https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/heal/2026/...cking-time-bomb

Eating Kimchi Every Day Is Healthy

Le Don — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 18:22:08 +0800

Summary: A clinical trial by the World Institute of Kimchi found that consuming moderate amounts of kimchi (about 60 grams daily) for 12 weeks significantly reduces body fat by 2.6% and alters the gut microbiome to combat obesity. The study showed that kimchi increases beneficial gut bacteria like Akkermansia muciniphila, which is associated with better metabolic health, while long-term health data indicates that eating 1 to 3 servings a day lowers the overall risk of obesity.

QUOTE

Approximately 16% of the global population, or about 890 million people, suffer from obesity. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized obesity as a significant health issue and highlighted its impact on the quality of life and overall health of individuals across the world. In response to this, the World Institute of Kimchi, South Korea, has been publishing a series of articles on the anti-obesity effects of kimchi in international journals. These articles, based on research studies on the subject, indicate that the regular consumption of kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented food, is effective in reducing body fat and may serve as a promising dietary strategy to combat obesity.

Recent investigations exploring the effects of kimchi on obesity have yielded compelling evidence supporting its efficacy. Notably, preclinical experiments in animal models of obesity revealed a substantial 31.8% reduction in body fat among those fed a kimchi diet.

Additionally, an extensive analysis of data collected over 13 years from the Korea Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES), a large population-based study, found that appropriate kimchi intake is associated with a 15% reduction in body mass index (BMI) and a 12% decrease in obesity incidence among middle-aged males. This study was published in Food & Function, BMJ Open (a British medical journal published by a subsidiary of the British Medical Association) and was also reported in the U.S based NBC News.

Continuing this line of inquiry, a research study conducted by a team led by Dr. Sung-Wook Hong from the Kimchi Functionality Research Group at the World Institute of Kimchi, in collaboration with the Pusan National University Hospital, South Korea, focused on the anti-obesity effects of kimchi and its impact on gut microbiomes. This study investigated the changes in anthropometric measurements, blood biomarkers, and gut microbiomes of 55 overweight adults, comprising both males and females, with a BMI ranging from 23 to 30 kg/m². The participants consumed 3 kimchi capsules per meal (60g of kimchi per day) for 3 months. The kimchi capsules contained kimchi powder produced by freeze-drying cabbage kimchi fermented at 4℃ for 2 weeks. The research team analyzed the changes in the body fat composition of the participants and found that the group that consumed kimchi showed a 2.6% decrease in body fat, but the control group that did not take the kimchi capsules exhibited a 4.7% increase in body fat, showing a statistically significant difference between the two groups.

Further, the analysis of the microbiomes of the participants revealed that kimchi consumption resulted in an increase in the abundance of the beneficial gut bacterium, Akkermansia muciniphila, and a reduction in the number of Proteobacteria, which are associated with obesity.

The successful completion of this clinical trial on the body fat-reducing effects of kimchi indicates that a steady consumption of kimchi is effective in alleviating obesity symptoms through the modulation of the gut microbiota.

Dr. Hae-Choon Chang, Director of the World Institute of Kimchi, said, "The results of a preclinical study and a clinical trial have systematically verified the anti-obesity effects of kimchi, and present scientific evidence that would help to make the excellent properties of kimchi widely known, thereby laying the foundation for the growth of kimchi as a health food well recognized around the world." She also said, "We will continue to devote our time, effort, and resources towards scientific research to reinforce the health-functional properties of kimchi, in improving gastrointestinal health in addition to its immune-enhancing and anti-cancer effects, thus firmly establishing the role of kimchi as a global health food."

The clinical trial on the anti-obesity effects of kimchi was published in the October 2024 issue of the 'Journal of Functional Foods.'

Meanwhile, in Korea, the country where kimchi originated, November 22 was officially designated as a national commemorative day for kimchi and named Kimchi Day in 2020. Kimchi is the first Korean food to be recognized in this manner for its unique health properties. Since then, Kimchi Festivals have been celebrated on Kimchi Day in the U.S., U.K., Argentina, and Brazil on November 22.

Source:
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20241120/...at-obesity.aspx

Hospital costs drives your insurance premiums up

Le Don — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 10:32:48 +0800

The Free Malaysia Today article details testimonies given by top insurance industry leaders during a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing. The report, which was tabled in Parliament, highlights a major disconnect between how insurance premiums are regulated versus how private hospitals set their prices.

According to the insurance chiefs, the massive spike in private hospital treatment costs—and by extension, your medical insurance premiums—is being driven by three critical factors:

1. Pushing Capital Recovery via "Overutilisation"
Allianz Malaysia Bhd chairman Zakri Khir noted that private hospitals behave like any other commercial, profit-driven entity. When they invest heavily in expensive, top-tier medical equipment, they actively drive up its usage to recover their capital costs and hunt for high Returns on Investment (ROI).

- The Example Given: Zakri pointed to a US$1 million (RM4.12 million) lithotripter machine (used to break up kidney stones). He stated that hospitals will push for a utilization rate aimed at making back at least six times the machine's cost.

- Internal Pressure: He claimed that hospitals send internal emails directly urging doctors to "utilize this machine as much as possible," leading to unfair pricing structures driven by capital recovery rather than clinical necessity.

2. Unnecessary Procedures & Ineffective Discounts
AIA Berhad CEO Heng Zee Wang raised alarms over extensive medical wastage, citing excessive, inappropriate, or entirely unnecessary diagnostic procedures like MRI scans and endoscopies.

- The "Pool" Effect: Because insurance works by pooling risk, Heng noted that if just one policyholder is overcharged or given unnecessary treatment, the remaining nine people in that insurance pool are forced to absorb the cost through premium hikes.

- Phantom Discounts: Heng also pointed out that hospital discounts negotiated by insurers have proven entirely ineffective. When a hospital reduces the cost of one specific line item, they frequently inflate unrelated charges elsewhere on the bill to completely offset the discount.

- Wild Pricing Variations: He questioned why an identical procedure, like a standard MRI scan, can swing violently from RM1,500 at one hospital to RM3,000 or even RM5,000 at another without clear, standardized benchmarks.

3. A Total Lack of Pricing Governance
Prudential Assurance Malaysia Bhd’s chief health officer, Manisha Keyal, pointed out a massive regulatory loophole.

- While Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) strictly regulates insurance companies—forcing them to justify any premium increases based on strict parameters like collected premiums versus actual claims—there is currently no equivalent governance framework regulating how private hospitals adjust their treatment costs over time.

- The industry is calling for a structured, transparent regulatory system to rationalise private hospital cost increases, set concrete parameters, and establish fair benchmarks.

Ultimately, the consensus among these insurance executives is that until a formal regulatory boundary is drawn around how private healthcare providers price their services and equipment usage, the broader risk pool will continue to suffer from aggressive medical inflation.

Source:
Insurance chiefs tell what’s driving up private hospital treatment costs
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/...treatment-costs

The Scale of Malaysia's Health Crisis

Le Don — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:26:32 +0800

QUOTE

Sarawak State Health Department director Dr Veronica Lugah said data collected nationwide showed a significant number of Malaysians are affected by NCDs.

“At the national level, data collected across Malaysia shows that many Malaysians are affected by NCDs.

One in two Malaysians is suffering from one of the NCDs

QUOTE

“The most common is diabetes mellitus. One in six Malaysians has diabetes.

One in six is suffering from diabetes

QUOTE

“High blood pressure affects one in three Malaysians, while high cholesterol also affects one in three people,” she said in her welcoming speech during the Kuching Sihat Run at Padang Merdeka here on Sunday.

One in three has high blood pressure and high cholesterol

QUOTE

“In fact, 54.4 per cent of the Malaysian population is classified as overweight or obese.

Normal or under weight people are now a minority in Malaysia

QUOTE

“Approximately one in two people do not engage regularly in sports or other forms of exercise and do not lead active lifestyles,” she added.

One in two of us do not exercise

Source:
https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/06/21/di...ealth-director/

Malaysia’s hidden debt trap

Le Don — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:58:11 +0800

Household debt has climbed relentlessly over the decades, now sitting at around 84–85 per cent of GDP as of mid-2025, placing the country perilously close to Thailand’s regional high of roughly 87 per cent.

The article, written by Murray Hunter for The Vibes, outlines a hidden structural crisis in Malaysia: a deeply ingrained culture of household and small business debt that masks underlying economic stagnation.

The main points from the piece include:

- Sky-High Household Debt: Malaysia’s household debt has reached 84–85% of its GDP, placing it dangerously close to Thailand's regional peak (~87%). For many families, over 50% of their monthly income goes entirely toward paying off home and car loans.

- The "Invisible Poverty" Trap: While macro economic figures show respectable GDP growth and shiny malls, stagnant real wages force families to borrow heavily just to maintain a middle-class lifestyle. This leaves them asset-rich on paper but cash-poor and one emergency away from financial ruin.

- Social & Demographic Toll: This debt burden is heavily altering lives—young couples are delaying marriage or having children, parents are sacrificing educational quality, and retirement funds are failing to accumulate.

- SMEs Starved of Capital: Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are also caught in the cycle. Lacking access to proper commercial financing, business owners rely on high-interest personal loans and credit cards, which drains their cash flow and stifles innovation.

- The Irony of State Lending: A significant portion of this household credit is provided by government-linked companies (GLCs) and state-influenced banks. These institutions record massive profits and distribute dividends to the state, while ordinary citizens bear the default risk.

- The Call for Reform: The author warns that official narratives from institutions like Bank Negara Malaysia mask the severity of the crisis among B40 (lower-income) and M40 (middle-income) households. Without urgent structural policy shifts—like wage-productivity links, better SME financing, and debt restructuring support—the nation risks normalizing a dangerous, highly leveraged reality.

Source: https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/1242...tm_source=dable