Introduction: Obesity and excess weight gain in adults are linked to an increased
risk of cardiometabolic abnormalities. The changing lifestyle experienced by the
Orang Asli predisposes the population to the risk of obesity and non-communicable
diseases. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of overweight and obesity as
well as body-weight change over a period of four years among Orang Asli adults.
Methods: Data were collected from Orang Asli adults aged ≥18 years, who were
enrolled in the 2011-2012 and 2015-2016 surveys, and who were residing within
the Krau Wildlife Reserve. Weight and height of the adults (N2011-2012=828; N2015-
2016=662) were measured at both time points. Follow-up data were available for 378
adults (male:113; female:265). Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity
were 18.8% and 7.4% in 2011-2012 and 26.1% and 9.5% in 2015-2016. In the
follow-up group, significant differences in body weight and body mass index (BMI)
were observed in men and women, respectively. More than one-third (35.5%) of the
adults had weight gain of more than 5.0%. The increasing percentage of body weight
change was associated with being female, younger age, more years of schooling and
reduced household income. Conclusion: Obesity is a growing health problem in
the Orang Asli adult population. Weight gain was associated with socioeconomic
indicators and it was more prominent in women. Effective strategies are needed to
address the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in this population to
further reduce adverse health outcomes.