Overview: Progress Amid New Health Challenges
Singapore’s latest National Population Health Survey (NPHS) paints a complex health picture. Residents are generally becoming healthier and more health-conscious, with rising physical activity, higher screening rates, and a decline in certain chronic diseases. Yet obesity and poor mental health—especially among younger adults—have moved to the forefront as urgent public health concerns. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung highlighted these dual trends at the SingHealth Polyclinics’ 25th anniversary dinner on Oct 17, framing them as the defining challenges for the coming years.
What the NPHS 2024 Tells Us
The NPHS tracks health, risk factors, and lifestyle practices among Singaporeans aged 18 to 74, drawing on household interviews from July 2023 to June 2024. It also includes health examinations for obesity and chronic disease gathered through mid-2022 to August 2024. The key takeaways: obesity rose to 12.7% in 2023-2024 from 10.5% four years earlier, with a notable surge among 18 to 29-year-olds (6.6% to 11.6%). In parallel, about 15% of residents report poor mental health, and among the 18–29 cohort, roughly one in four experiences poor mental health—the highest share across age groups.
Linking Lifestyles to Health Risks
Health Minister Ong described modern lifestyles—more sedentary routines, demanding schedules, and heavy digital engagement—as driving health risks that manifest as rising obesity. The trend among young adults is particularly alarming because early adulthood is a pivotal period for establishing long-term health trajectories. The NPHS also shows a mixed bag for other risk factors, including stable hypertension and diabetes prevalence and a meaningful drop in hyperlipidaemia (high cholesterol) from 39.1% to 30.5%. The smoking rate continues its downward trend, reaching a record low of 8.4% in 2023, signaling progress in reducing tobacco-related harms.
What Obesity Means for Long-Term Health
Rising obesity is linked to a spectrum of conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. The government’s response centers on prevention and earlier intervention through primary care and community-based strategies. Health experts emphasize understanding obesity drivers—caloric intake trends, dietary composition, and physical activity levels—to fine-tune policies that curb weight gain while promoting healthy lifestyles.
Mental Health: Access, Help-Seeking, and Stigma Reduction
Singapore is expanding mental health support with initiatives like the 24/7 national mindline 1771, aiming to provide round-the-clock help. The increase in people willing to seek help—from 78.4% in 2023 to 81.8% in 2024—signals a shift in stigma and access. Still, the burden remains high, especially among younger adults who often face stress, anxiety, and social pressures in a hyper-connected world. The NPHS underscores the necessity of integrated mental health care within primary care and community settings to ensure timely intervention and ongoing support.
Public Health Responses: From Nutrition Labelling to Telehealth
To tackle obesity and its associated risks, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has rolled out Nutri-Grade labelling for pre-packaged and some ready-to-drink beverages, pushing manufacturers toward healthier options. MOH plans to extend these labelling requirements to items that contribute high sodium and saturated fat—such as prepacked salt, sauces, seasonings, instant noodles, and cooking oil—by mid-2027. On the mental health front, the mindline complements existing services, expanding access and reducing barriers to care.
Healthcare System Strategy: Primary Care and Population Health
Health Minister Ong notes that strengthening primary care and building population health is a long-term, marathon-like effort. The NPHS results offer early signs that Singapore’s population health strategy under Healthier SG is taking hold, but experts warn against complacency. The challenge now is to sustain momentum, adapt to evolving risks (such as vaping, digital addictions, and misinformation), and continue improving the environment that supports healthy choices for all ages.
Future Developments: Telehealth Expansion
In a move to increase access and convenience, SingHealth Polyclinics announced a Telehealth Hub to be established at Eunos Polyclinic in the first half of 2026. Ten telehealth pods across all SHP polyclinics will enable doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals to deliver virtual care. The goal is to reduce in-clinic visits while maintaining high-quality care, potentially freeing space for patients needing in-person consultations.
Final Thoughts
The NPHS confirms that Singapore’s health gains are real and meaningful, especially in activity, preventive care, and chronic disease management. However, the rising obesity rates and the mental health burden—particularly among young adults—require urgent, coordinated action. A multi-pronged approach that combines nutrition policy, mental health access, primary care strengthening, and scalable telehealth solutions will be essential to turning today’s risks into tomorrow’s healthier outcomes.
