Singapore’s Health Panorama: Gains with Emerging Risks
Singaporeans are generally getting healthier, with rising screening rates, more physical activity, and better control of certain chronic conditions. Yet the latest National Population Health Survey (NPHS) reveals two stubborn vulnerabilities: obesity and poor mental health, especially among younger adults. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung warned that these areas demand urgent, collective attention as the city-state continues its long-term health strategy.
Obesity on the Rise, Especially Among Young Adults
The NPHS 2024 shows obesity prevalence at 12.7% for 2023–2024, up from 10.5% four years earlier. Even more concerning is the jump among 18 to 29-year-olds, where obesity nearly doubled from 6.6% to 11.6%. Minister Ong described modern living—busy, sedentary, and digitally driven—as a key driver of this trend. The data underscore a need to rethink daily routines, food environments, and physical activity opportunities for young adults.
Mental Health: A Growing Priority
About 15% of Singaporeans report poor mental health, with the 18 to 29 age group reporting the highest burden—roughly one in four. While the government has expanded mental health services, including the 24/7 mindline 1771, the NPHS highlights that more people are seeking help. The rise in distress reflects broader social pressures, isolation, and the ongoing aftermath of the pandemic era.
Positive Health Trends and Persistent Gaps
Beyond obesity and mental health, several health indicators are trending positively. Physical activity levels and health screening rates rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, and the prevalence of hyperlipidaemia declined from 39.1% to 30.5%. Hypertension and diabetes remained relatively stable, while smoking declined to a historic low of 8.4%. Vaccination coverage for influenza and pneumococcal disease also rose, signaling improvements in preventive care.
Policy Responses and Long-Term Strategy
MOH has rolled out measures aimed at reducing obesity risk factors and promoting healthier choices. Nutri-Grade labelling for beverages—now extended to foods high in sodium and saturated fat—pushes for reformulation and smarter selections. The ministry plans to broaden these requirements to more products, including instant noodles and cooking oils, by mid-2027. Such steps are part of a broader push to curb caloric intake and improve heart health outcomes.
Strengthening Mental Health and Primary Care
On the mental health front, the government is expanding access through telehealth, public awareness, and community-based care. Public health experts stress that improving mental health support must go hand in hand with reducing stigma and encouraging early help-seeking. Strengthening primary care to work with communities is central to Healthier SG, recognizing that lasting health gains require sustained, long-term efforts rather than quick wins.
Looking Ahead: Telehealth and Population Health
In a forward-looking move, SingHealth Polyclinics announced a Telehealth Hub at Eunos Polyclinic planned for 2026. Ten telehealth pods will enable clinicians to reach more patients remotely, freeing space for in-person care and extending access to follow-up consultations. This initiative mirrors the NPHS message: progress is achievable when health services adapt to people’s needs and lifestyles, and when care is integrated across settings.
Expert Perspectives: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
Experts like Professor Teo Yik Ying caution that Singapore’s population health gains are encouraging but incomplete. The country’s tech-savvy, highly mobile population faces new challenges—vaping, misinformation, and ultra-processed foods among them. The consensus is clear: sustaining momentum will require persistent effort, targeted interventions, and ongoing data-informed adjustments to policies and programs.
