Bumrungrad Hospital PCL (SET: BH) reveals alarming facts about overweight and obesity among Thais, highlighting the enormous economic losses faced by the country as a result. Nearly 50% of the Thai population is overweight, with the prevalence continuing to rise—signaling that Thailand is entering a society burdened by obesity faster and more severely than expected.
While the majority of individuals struggle to achieve long-term weight loss, Bumrungrad Hospital offers a comprehensive range of weight management solutions delivered by specialist physicians and a multidisciplinary healthcare team. These personalized treatment programs are tailored to each individual and place Bumrungrad among the world’s early pioneers in integrated weight management, combining Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)—an innovative, minimally invasive gastric suturing technique—with pharmacological therapy.
The hospital emphasizes that effective prevention of obesity-related diseases requires safe, medically supervised weight control, alongside sustainable lifestyle modifications encompassing nutrition, physical activity, medication, and advanced medical interventions.
Ms. Artirat Charukitpipat, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of BH, stated that according to the World Obesity Federation (WOF), more than 800 million people worldwide were living with obesity in 2025 (B.E. 2568), a figure projected to rise to 1 billion by 2030 (B.E. 2573). Meanwhile, Thailand’s Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, reports that 42.4% of Thais aged 15 and above are overweight or obese—an alarming statistic with serious long-term health implications.
Excess body weight is not merely a matter of appearance; it represents a major health risk and a gateway to multiple non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnea, gout and hyperuricemia, and certain types of cancer.
Beyond its health consequences, overweight and obesity among Thais also impose a substantial economic burden on the nation. Estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Obesity Federation indicate that in 2019 (B.E. 2562), obesity-related costs in Thailand resulted in economic losses of as much as USD 8.27 billion, or approximately THB 256.37 billion (at an exchange rate of THB 31 per USD). This equates to around 1.5% of Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP) of THB 16.87 trillion in 2019, or an average cost of approximately THB 4,000 per person.
WOF projections further warn that if urgent action is not taken, or current trends are not effectively curbed, Thailand’s economic impact from obesity could escalate dramatically by 2060 (B.E. 2603), or within the next 34 years. The total economic burden is estimated to reach USD 180.78 billion, or approximately THB 5.6 trillion (at an exchange rate of THB 31 per USD), accounting for 5.6% of Thailand’s future GDP.
This represents a 22-fold increase in economic losses compared to the 2019 baseline (B.E. 2562). These economic losses are calculated based on both direct medical costs and indirect costs arising from reduced productivity, absenteeism, presenteeism (working while ill), and premature mortality—factors that directly undermine the country’s long-term growth potential.
Against this backdrop of a rapidly escalating public health challenge, identifying effective and safe weight management solutions to support sustainable long-term health has become an urgent priority for the Thai population.
Ms. Artirat added, “Bumrungrad International Hospital places the highest priority on sustainable health and fully recognizes the challenges faced by individuals with weight imbalance. The hospital provides comprehensive weight management care across multiple dimensions, delivered by specialist physicians and a multidisciplinary team who collaboratively design personalized treatment plans.
These plans take into account physical, psychological, and environmental factors, supported by a broad spectrum of medical innovations and treatment options—from pharmacotherapy to endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty and surgical interventions—integrated with lifestyle modifications. This holistic approach ensures weight management that is safe, highly effective, and sustainable in the long term.”
Dr. Nopawan Kittivat, MD, Specialist in Endocrinology and Metabolism at BH, explained that weight management refers to maintaining body weight at a level appropriate to each individual’s health, representing a holistic and sustainable approach to long-term healthcare.
Successful and sustainable weight management requires permanent lifestyle modifications, including balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, effective stress management, and healthy daily habits.
In cases where lifestyle changes alone are insufficient—particularly for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥27.5 for the Asian population, or those with a BMI of ≥25 accompanied by obesity-related comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia—pharmacological treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), commonly known as weight-loss medication pens may serve as an additional therapeutic option.
These medications help suppress appetite, regulate blood glucose levels, reduce cardiovascular risk, reduce inflammatory fat and scar in the liver, and support patient motivation for behavioral change. However, the use of such medications must be closely supervised and prescribed by physicians to ensure maximum safety and efficacy, and should always be combined with lifestyle modifications to achieve successful and sustainable weight loss.
Clinical Assoc. Prof. Tossapol Kerdsirichairat, MD, FACG, FASGE, Specialist in Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Advanced Endoscopy at BH, stated that obesity is a complex medical condition that directly affects the gastrointestinal system. It gives rise to multiple “silent threats” that many people are often unaware of, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), gallstones, and several types of cancer.
For patients who do not achieve target outcomes through lifestyle modification and pharmacological therapy alone, Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a well-recognized treatment option. ESG is suitable for patients with a BMI of 30–40, or those with a BMI of ≥35 accompanied by obesity-related comorbidities who have not responded adequately to other treatments.
As a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure, ESG allows for rapid recovery, leaves no abdominal scars, and can result in an average excess weight loss of approximately 15–20% within 1–2 years. At Bumrungrad Hospital, ESG is offered in combination with GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy (weight-loss medication pens) as part of an integrated obesity treatment approach. This combined strategy has enabled some patients to achieve weight reduction of up to 44%, representing one of the most outstanding outcomes reported globally.
In addition, bariatric surgery is available as a treatment option for patients with severe obesity. These include Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, recommended for patients with a BMI greater than 30, and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, indicated for those with a BMI greater than 40. Both procedures work by reducing stomach capacity and, in the case of gastric bypass, altering the structure of the stomach and intestines to limit food intake, suppress appetite, and promote significant weight loss.
However, it is essential that patients undergo a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary medical team to ensure they are physically and psychologically prepared for surgery and fully understand the long-term lifestyle changes required following treatment.
Dr. Morrakot Suwannakarn, MD, Specialist in Clinical Nutrition at BH, added that successful weight management is rooted in permanent changes to eating behaviors. The starting point lies in building awareness, reshaping one’s environment, setting realistic goals, and cultivating intrinsic motivation.
Many patients today mistakenly believe that weight loss is solely about reducing the number on the scale, without recognizing potential health risks such as muscle mass loss or having excessive body fat despite a normal BMI. Therefore, an in-depth assessment by specialists is essential to identify the true underlying causes and to design an appropriate, effective treatment plan.
The most effective nutrition plan is one that is personalized, taking into account each individual’s needs, lifestyle, and health goals, as well as biological factors and daily habits. The core principle is not simply “eating less,” but rather “eating correctly and appropriately.” Excessive dietary restriction can lead to nutrient deficiencies, loss of muscle mass, and a higher likelihood of weight regain, commonly known as the yo-yo effect.
Approaches such as intermittent fasting (IF), the ketogenic diet (KETO), or the use of meal replacement products can serve as effective supportive tools for certain patients when applied appropriately and under professional supervision. The guidance of a nutritionist plays a key role in helping individuals achieve their goals while maintaining long-term health.
Maintaining a healthy body weight is one of the most important investments in overall well-being, encompassing mental health, happiness, and quality of life. It represents a meaningful “Health Resolution” for the New Year—an investment in oneself that leads to sustainable, long-term health.
