In a world where lifestyle-related diseases like obesity are becoming increasingly prevalent and placing a growing and unsustainable burden on our healthcare systems, innovative healthcare solutions are critical. Globally, we face a rising tide of obesity and, with this, an alarming increase in interconnected health issues, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension, which diminish quality of life and complicate patient outcomes.
In 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that 39 per cent of adults were overweight and 13 per cent were obese. What was once considered a high-income country problem, the issue of being overweight is now on the rise in low and middle-income countries. The problem in the region is becoming so significant that at the end of 2024, WHO called specifically on South-East Asian Nations to do more to tackle obesity.
“These trends have fuelled a surge in non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, which are now responsible for nearly two-thirds of all deaths in our Region,” said Saima Wazed, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia, speaking at an event to promote healthier living.
Singapore’s obesity problem reflects this growing trend — 30 per cent of people in the country are overweight, and 12 per cent are obese, contributing significantly to the consequences of the disease on the community, including health, social, and economic costs.
It is also a leading risk factor for other serious conditions with nearly one in three deaths in Singapore the result of cardiovascular disease while the country has one of the highest rates of end-stage renal disease in the world, with over 6,000 patients on dialysis, a number that continues to rise each year. Meanwhile diabetes contributes to more than 20 per cent of deaths in Singapore.
To tackle this, a multi-pronged approach is needed including promoting physical activity and better diets and increasing access to healthcare professionals who can support people with the right interventions on what is often a complex journey.
A flexible, patient-centred approach
With these challenges in mind, the hybrid weight management care model recently launched by ORA Group in Singapore represents a significant step forward in offering, personalised care to individuals struggling with obesity and its associated chronic conditions. Having partnered with Arden Endocrinology Specialist Clinic, one of the key aspects of the hybrid model is its adaptability, combining both in-person options and virtual healthcare services to cater to the diverse needs of patients.
By blending virtual healthcare with in-person consultations, ORA’s approach reflects the importance of offering flexible access in order to break down barriers and deliver effective, sustainable weight management solutions tailored to the needs of patients.
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Services that now offer convenient options to patients are particularly important in a fast-paced society like Singapore, where time constraints and busy schedules can often prevent individuals from seeking the care they need.
The option to have consultations via telehealth ensures that patients who may struggle to attend physical appointments due to tight schedules, mobility issues, or social anxiety or stigma are still able to access expert advice and support. On the other hand, patients who prefer face-to-face interactions or require more hands-on care can opt for in-person visits.
This is crucial, particularly when managing something as complicated and deeply personal as weight and obesity. It’s important to create an environment where patients feel supported on their weight management journey, which is vital for long-term success.
A holistic approach to weight management
Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) lists obesity, and the closely associated conditions of hyperlipidemia (high blood cholesterol), hypertension (high blood pressure), and diabetes as the top four health burdens on society.
To address this, Singapore has adopted a nationwide approach that promotes healthy eating and physical activity through a strategy that includes public education campaigns, policies to limit unhealthy food promotion, expanded access to exercise facilities, and the integration of healthy choices into school programs.
Led by the Health Promotion Board, initiatives such as the “National Steps Challenge” and the “Healthier Choice Symbol” on food products aim to make healthier options more accessible and available to people of all ages. With a focus on a holistic approach, the “Healthier SG” programme encourages people to take note of key vitals like weight and blood pressure and to set health goals with a healthcare provider.
ORA’s hybrid model supports the Singapore government’s approach which is to go beyond simply encouraging weight loss and delve deeper into the underlying factors contributing to obesity, such as poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and hormonal imbalances.
By also integrating evidence-based anti-obesity medical treatments with lifestyle modifications, we are now seeing more services providing a comprehensive solution that addresses all aspects of weight management which is vital in tackling the explosion of obesity-related problems globally.
Maintaining quality in both virtual and in-person care
Singapore’s government has expressed growing concerns about the rise of telehealth providers, particularly in terms of ensuring the quality and safety of services delivered remotely. While telehealth offers convenience and greater access to care, the government has recently warned of the potential for misdiagnosis, lack of regulatory oversight, and compromised patient data security, while also citing telehealth as having an important role to play.
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In response, authorities have been working to establish clear guidelines and regulations to ensure that telehealth services meet the same high standards as traditional healthcare, including ensuring proper accreditation, protecting patient privacy, and promoting ethical practices. Balancing innovation with safety remains a key priority for the government as telehealth continues to grow in Singapore
A common concern with telehealth services is ensuring the same level of quality and care as in-person visits. In a healthcare environment as advanced as Singapore’s, where quality standards are high, maintaining consistency in care across both virtual and physical consultations is essential.
But in the face of any concerns, the MOH has recognised the role technology and telehealth can play in breaking down barriers to access saying “It is important to recognise that telemedicine can bring tremendous benefits to patients, especially those who are immobile, or doing regular follow-ups. It makes healthcare much more accessible and convenient to our patients.”
Expanding the hybrid model to address chronic disease
Looking beyond Singapore, the potential for a hybrid care model to be adopted in other countries facing similar obesity-related challenges is immense. Countries across Asia, where obesity rates are rising rapidly, could benefit greatly from such a scalable and adaptable model.
By offering a hybrid solution that integrates virtual consultations, in-person care, and multidisciplinary expertise, this model can be customised to fit the unique needs of each country and healthcare system, ultimately contributing to the global effort to combat obesity and chronic diseases.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the future of weight management lies in the integration of technology, patient-centred care, and multidisciplinary expertise. With the rise of chronic diseases linked to obesity, it is crucial that innovative solutions become more widespread, not only in Singapore but globally.
The hybrid care model has the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals struggling with obesity, enabling them to achieve sustainable weight loss and better management of chronic diseases, ultimately improving overall public health outcomes.
The future is one where healthcare is flexible, accessible, and tailored to the individual—ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight for better health.
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