Obesity is an epidemic with increasing prevalence in most countries in the Asia Pacific region. It is characterized by abnormal or excessive lipid deposition as a result of chronic disproportion between energy intake and energy outflow. The first Malaysian national estimate in 1996 of obesity was 5.8%. A systematic review reported a marked increase in obesity in 1996, 2003, 2004 and 2006 with 5.5%, 12.2%, 12.3% and 14.0%. Obesity is highest among adults of 40-59 years old, is greater risk in women compared to men and is highest among Indians followed by Malays, Chinese and Aboriginals.