Malaysian singers, actresses and celebrities Siti Nordiana, Diana Danielle and Shila Amzah have partnered with OVA, Malaysia’s biggest licensed telehealth platform, to tackle one of the country’s largest health challenges. Recognising that weight is about far more than willpower alone, the campaign aims to break down barriers and improve access to modern medical care, empowering more women to take control of their weight and lead healthier lives.
Through stories that many women experience but few openly discuss, the trio hope to spark a nationwide conversation around obesity and women’s health in Malaysia. While their journeys have unfolded in the public eye, they reflect challenges shared by millions of women across the country, encouraging greater awareness and empowering more women to seek support and build a healthier future.
Elaborating on the campaign, Tom Reynolds, Vice President of Marketing at OVA said, “Obesity is one of Malaysia’s biggest health challenges, yet for too long the conversation has focused on appearance rather than health. We know that weight is about far more than willpower alone, and that many women face barriers to accessing care, whether that’s a lack of time, awareness or convenient access to treatment.”
The topic is particularly important as the National Health and Morbidity Survey indicated that 54.4% of Malaysian women were classified as overweight and obese [1]. While alarming on its own, this is a key concern as weight gain has been linked directly to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension amongst others, with over 70% of NCDs having a documented association with obesity.
Unfortunately a substantial amount of these issues are left undiagnosed, with 57% of people with obesity misclassify themselves leading to delayed treatment and increase in overall morbidity and NCD related deaths.
The heart of the campaign are Siti Nordiana, Diana Danielle and Shila Amzah, who are opening up about their own experiences with their weight and the pressures they have faced throughout different stages of their lives and careers. By sharing their personal stories, the campaign aims to encourage more open conversations around women’s health and inspire women to take more proactive action when it comes to seeking medical help to manage their weight.
Supporting this mission, OVA is making it easier for women to access trusted medical care through online consultations, personalised treatment plans and ongoing support, all designed to fit around the realities of modern life.
“Through OVA, we’re working to make evidence-based obesity care more accessible through telemedicine, and by partnering with recognisable women like Siti Nordiana, Diana Danielle and Shila Amzah, we hope to reshape the conversation around weight and empower more women to see their own stories reflected, take control of their health and build healthier futures,” Tom continued.
OVA is a digital healthcare platform transforming access to weight management care across Southeast Asia. By combining consultations with licensed doctors, personalised medical treatment plans and ongoing medical support, OVA removes many of the barriers that can prevent patients from seeking help. Through a seamless digital experience and discreet home delivery, OVA is making it easier for women to access the care they need, on their own terms.
In an intimate sharing session, Siti Nordiana, Diana Danielle and Shila Amzah opened up about the realities of balancing health, family, careers and the pressures women face throughout different stages of life. Through their own experiences, they highlighted how weight is shaped by far more than willpower alone, and why conversations around obesity in Malaysia need to evolve from appearance to health.
Sharing her thoughts, Siti Nordiana, said, “Life changes all of us. Motherhood, careers, stress and the many roles we take on as women all leave their mark. I hope this campaign helps more women realise that weight is about far more than willpower alone, and gives them the confidence to take charge of their health on their own terms.”
Meanwhile, Diana Danielle, said, “Growing up in the public eye meant that every stage of my life was visible. Over the years, my weight has changed, and those changes often became part of the conversation around me. Like many women, I’ve had periods where I’ve struggled to manage my weight and wondered why something that seemed so simple could feel so difficult.”
“Over time, I’ve come to understand that there isn’t always a simple answer. Life changes, our bodies change, and so do our needs. Through this campaign with OVA, I hope more women realise that weight changes are a part of life, that they’re not alone in what they’re experiencing, and that they feel empowered to take control of their health and build healthier lives on their own terms,” Diana continued.
Speaking at the launch, Shila Azmah, said, “My health has always been important to me, but becoming a mother changed everything. It made me think differently about my future and being there for my children. I know many mothers go through the same experience, and understand just how much motherhood, stress and the different stages of life can change our bodies.”
“Over time, I’ve learned that weight is influenced by so much more than what we eat or how hard we try. Hormones, biology and the demands of everyday life all play a part, and sometimes a different approach is needed. Through With OVA, I hope more women feel empowered to better understand their health, take control of their weight and build healthier lives for themselves and their families,” she added.
For more information on OVA visit – getova.com.my