Metabolic health requires an interconnected approach to wellness

Metabolic health is an interconnected network of systems rather than a single metric like body weight. According to Dr. Vipada Sae-Lao, Herbalife’s Nutrition Education and Training Lead for Asia Pacific, a healthy metabolism involves the synergy of body composition, gut health, immunity, sleep, hormones, and the nervous system.

In Asia, cardiometabolic conditions are rising. In Malaysia, reports from the Institute of Public Health indicate that approximately 35.9 percent, or 8.5 million adults, suffer from metabolic syndrome. This condition is characterized by a combination of risk factors including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

Experts emphasize that body composition—specifically the ratio of muscle to fat—is a more accurate indicator of metabolic health than BMI or weight alone. Muscle tissue is metabolically active and consumes energy even at rest, whereas excess fat, particularly around internal organs, can trigger inflammation and disrupt metabolic balance.