Proposal for Obesity to be Consider as Chronic Disease under Chronic Disease Management Programme

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will consider obesity as a chronic disease under the Chronic Disease Management Programme and if not, what are the considerations or prerequisites to be met before the Ministry will do so.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Obesity is not considered internationally or locally as a chronic disease. However, obesity is associated with several chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, lipid disorders, chronic kidney disease, which are under the Chronic Disease Management Programme.

Patients requiring weight management can access relevant programmes and should speak to their doctor for advice. Under Healthier SG, doctors will develop care plans and refer patients to the relevant weight management programmes according to each patient’s condition and care goals.