Bumrungrad International Hospital Hosts “A Fresh Start from a Fit Body” Press Conference, Highlighting Obesity as a Major Health Crisis for Thais with Massive Economic Impact, and Unveiling Sustainable Weight Management Approaches for Long-Term Health

Bumrungrad International Hospital, led by Artirat Charukitpipat, PhD, Chief Executive Officer, and Assoc. Prof. Taveesin Tanprayoon, MD, Chief Medical Officer, together with Nopawan Kittivat, MD, Specialist in Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Assoc. Prof. Tossapol Kerdsirichairat, MD, FACG, FASGE, Specialist in Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Advanced Endoscopy, and Morrakot Suwannakarn, MD, Specialist in Clinical Nutrition, attended the press conference titled “A Fresh Start from a Fit Body.” The event was honored by Khun Nonthaphak Suchada, who shared her experience with endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, with Khun Mayura Savetsila serving as the master of ceremonies. The press conference was held on January 20, 2026, at Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit.

Bumrungrad International Hospital emphasized that overweight and obesity represent one of the most critical global health crises, with increasing severity. Currently, nearly half of Thailand’s population is overweight or obese. Beyond aesthetic concerns, obesity significantly raises the risk of numerous non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and certain types of cancer. Moreover, it results in substantial economic losses at the national level. In 2019, the economic burden was estimated at approximately 1.5% of Thailand’s GDP, with projections indicating a sharp increase in the future if the issue is not addressed seriously and urgently.

In response to this challenge, Bumrungrad International Hospital presented a holistic and sustainable approach to weight management, delivered by a multidisciplinary team of specialist physicians and healthcare professionals. Personalized treatment plans are designed to meet individual needs, encompassing lifestyle and behavioral modification, nutrition, exercise, pharmacotherapy, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, and surgical options. By integrating advanced medical innovations with long-term care, Bumrungrad International Hospital aims to help patients achieve safe and effective weight control while maintaining optimal health and quality of life over the long term.