Singaporeans are becoming more proactive about their health — exercising more, getting screened, and quitting smoking in record numbers — but the latest National Population Health Survey (NPHS) shows two stubborn problems: rising obesity and declining mental well-being, especially among younger adults.
A Mixed Picture of Health Gains
Between 2019 and 2024, many indicators improved.
- Smoking rates hit a new low of 8.4%, continuing a long-term decline.
- Health screenings for chronic diseases rebounded to 66.4%, after a pandemic-related dip.
- High cholesterol rates plunged from 39.1% to 30.5%, showing strong returns from preventive care.
- Vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcal infections saw a major boost — up nearly 10-15 percentage points.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, speaking at SingHealth Polyclinics’ 25th anniversary, praised the nation’s “meaningful gains” and described the Healthier SG strategy as “a marathon — not a sprint.”
“Strengthening population health is a long-term effort. We must persevere so that fewer people develop chronic diseases from years of poor lifestyle choices,” he said.
Two Red Flags: Obesity & Mental Health
Obesity Rising, Especially Among Young Adults
Obesity rates climbed from 10.5% to 12.7% overall in four years — but the biggest jump came from the 18–29 age group, where obesity nearly doubled from 6.6% to 11.6%.
Experts point to changing lifestyles — long working hours, easy food delivery, and high screen time — as key contributors.
“Physical activity levels are up, but so are total calories, protein and fat intake,” noted Prof Teo Yik Ying, Dean of NUS’ Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has introduced Nutri-Grade labelling for drinks and plans to expand this to salty and fatty foods like instant noodles, sauces, and oils by mid-2027.
Mental Health Concerns Among Youth
About 15% of Singaporeans report poor mental health — but among young adults, it’s one in four. The silver lining: more people are now willing to seek help.
In 2024, 81.8% said they would reach out to friends, family, or professionals, up from 78.4% in 2023. New services such as Mindline 1771, a 24/7 helpline offering calls, texts, and chats, are expanding access to early intervention.
Beyond the Numbers: Expert Opinions
- Dr. Tan Wei Min, a community health physician, says: “We’re winning the war on smoking and screenings, but losing ground in lifestyle diseases. Obesity isn’t just about willpower — it’s about environments that encourage inactivity and overeating.”
- Mental-health advocates add that digital overload, work stress, and loneliness are emerging epidemics in their own right. “The same connectivity that links us can also isolate us,” one counsellor remarked.
Innovations Ahead: Telehealth & Community-Based Care
To make care more accessible, SingHealth Polyclinics will open its first Telehealth Hub in Eunos by 2026, expected to serve 58,000 patients in its first year.
The hub will allow patients to meet doctors, nurses, and pharmacists virtually, freeing up physical clinic space for those needing in-person care.
This digital shift fits into a broader national goal: making healthcare preventive, personalised, and community-driven.
The Takeaway
Singapore’s health strategy is showing results — fewer smokers, better screenings, and improved heart health — but the rise in obesity and youth mental-health struggles show the next frontier won’t be fought in hospitals, but in everyday habits and community support.
As Ong Ye Kung put it:
“This is not a sprint — it’s multiple marathons. But we’re running in the right direction.”
