Dr. Teoh Soo Huat

23/07/2025

Feeling like you’ve hit a wall in your weight management journey?
It happens, even when you’re eating better, moving more, and making real changes. Sometimes, it just feels... stuck. It's biology.
Here’s the thing:
What you’re doing might already be working...just not in a way the scale can measure.
💡 More energy?
💡 Better sleep?
💡 Healthier habits?
💡 Clothes fitting?
All wins. 🎉
If your current routine is something you enjoy and can live with long-term, that’s worth celebrating.
When progress feels slow, it’s not a sign to give up. It’s a sign to pause, reflect, and maybe try something new. Blaming yourself won’t help, but getting support might.
Your journey is about more than a number. You’re doing better than you think. Keep showing up. 💪

10/07/2025

3 years ago, I joined IFSO as I started seeing more pre- and post-MBS (metabolic bariatric surgery) patients. Plenty to learn from their resources and global network of surgeons, dietitians, psychologists, physicians, exercise specialists.
Honoured to receive the Integrated Health Fellowship of IFSO (IH-FIFSO).
Thank you to USM Medical Centre Bertam for the warm congratulatory message and ongoing support.
Obesity care is truly a team effort. 💪

HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS!

We are proud to share that Dr. Teoh has been conferred the prestigious Integrated Health Fellow of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IH-FIFSO), making him the first medical professionals in Malaysia to receive this global recognition.

This fellowship is awarded to non-surgical healthcare professionals who are actively involved in the care of patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). It reflects excellence in multidisciplinary collaboration, clinical service, leadership, and advocacy in the field of clinical obesity.

Dr. Teoh’s clinical work in obesity medicine, which includes close collaboration with MBS teams in the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia and Sunway Medical Centre Penang, along with his national-level contributions in professional societies, guideline development, and education, exemplifies the values celebrated by IFSO’s Integrated Health community.

Congratulations once again, Dr. Teoh, on this well-deserved international recognition!

From:
Associate Professor Dr. Bakiah binti Shaharuddin
Director
& Staff
Advanced Medical and Dental Institute &
USM Medical Centre Bertam
Universiti Sains Malaysia

02/07/2025

Many new treatment options are coming up in my field to help people living with obesity. It feels a bit like how hypertension care evolved years ago (with ACE inhibitors and ARBs). Now, we’re seeing a similar wave in obesity medicine!

28/06/2025

"I am not pretty because I am fat!". Heard this phrase in my recent clinic.
Amidst my busy schedule educating the clinical perspective of obesity care, I just realized it’s been quite some time since I last did an advocacy post.
Well, when that phrase hit me straight in the face, I was shocked. Because I know beauty and body size don’t come hand in hand. There are people (men/women) with bigger physiques who look amazingly well, and vice versa for people in smaller sizes.
I could sense self-hate and helplessness. That particular patient had tried so many methods, down to the point of chewing ice to substitute food. Quite a negative relationship with eating.
In obesity care, self-love is one of the most important skills to develop. To move forward, this is essential. Such thoughts often stem from long-term exposure to backhanded compliments like: "Oh, your skin looks good, your fashion sense is great… but you should lose weight." Crazy world!
There are better ways to show concern and encourage people to improve their health, definitely not through backhanded compliments.
FYI, even though I am deeply involved in obesity medicine, my aim is not to battle, eradicate, fight, or crush obesity.
Because for some, that kind of language sounds like we’re trying to erase a group of people from the face of the earth.
What we’re really doing is treating the disease of obesity: excess body fat that causes ill health. And we do it in a positive, person-centered way.
So please be kind with your words (surrounding people). And also, be kind to yourself (patients). Self-love is the way forward in achieving true, comprehensive health.

18/06/2025

MBS (metabolic bariatric surgery) as part of pre-pregnancy care. Women with obesity lose weight > ⬆️ fertility > pregnant > ⬇️ antenatal issues (pregnancy related risks) > betwer outcome. Things to take note: 12-24mths post MBS no pregnancy, vitamins check and supplementations, nutritious meals.

06/06/2025

Too often, people living with obesity face blame instead of support. But blame isn’t a treatment plan.
True progress happens when patients and healthcare professionals move forward together, with empathy and evidence guiding the way.
Let’s shift the narrative directing towards care, not criticism.

03/06/2025

🩺 Who manages obesity?

Obesity is not “just about weight.” It’s a complex chronic disease that touches nearly every system in the body. That's why many types of doctors are involved in its care:

Primary Care: GPs, Family Medicine Specialists.
Endocrinologists.
Some psychiatrists.
Aesthetic physicians & dermatologists.
Cardiologists.
Metabolic & Bariatric Surgeons (MBS).
Obstetricians & Gynecologists.
(☝️ The specialties that I observed doing substantial amount of obesity care in 🇲🇾)
Each specialty views obesity through a different lens. Their tools and explanations may vary, but the intention is the same: to help you achieve better health.
So if the first consult doesn’t quite fit, don’t give up. Find the approach and care team that suits you. It may take time, but you deserve compassionate, evidence-based care.
💡 Be patient with yourself...and with your doctors too.

26/05/2025

𝐎𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲? 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞. We’ve heard it before. But what's inevitable is a mindset shift, from oversimplified advice to evidence-based disease management.
And this shift isn’t optional. It’s happening across patients, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when.
After all, the generations before us also said:
𝐇𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐒𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞, 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬.
𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬: 𝐂𝐮𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐫.
𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤, 𝐛𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲.
We’ve evolved our understanding of these diseases. So will the disease of obesity.

20/04/2025

It's a pleasure to share that I’ve been appointed as the new VP of MYOS! Obesity care in Malaysia is evolving, and I’m excited to work with our new team to bring fresh ideas into the field.
Please like and follow the MYOS page to stay updated. We have some exciting plans ahead!

� ANNOUNCEMENT: MYOS EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 2025–2027 �

The Malaysian Obesity Society (MYOS) is proud to announce the appointment of its Executive Council for 2025–2027. This newly elected leadership team reflects MYOS’s ongoing commitment to empowering change in obesity management, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration, advancing evidence-based practice, and championing national strategies for obesity care.

� Thank you to all members who joined us for the MYOS Annual General Meeting this afternoon!

We’re excited to introduce the newly elected MYOS Executive Committee:

� President
• Prof. Dr. Rohana Binti Abdul Ghani

� Vice President
• Dr. Teoh Soo Huat

� Honorary Secretary
• Prof. Dr. Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof

� Assistant Secretary
• Dr. Mohamad 'Ariff Fahmi Ahmad Zawawi

� Treasurer
• Dr. Ruben Ramakrishnan

� Committee Members
• Dr. Nalini M. Selveindran
• Dr. Lim Quan Hziung

� MYOS expresses sincere appreciation to the Founding Executive Council, whose leadership and dedication laid the foundation for the Society's progress. Their contributions were instrumental in establishing MYOS’s strategic framework, engaging key stakeholders, and building national and international visibility.

� 1st Executive Council 2023–2025

• President – Prof. Dr. Rohana Abdul Ghani
• Vice President – Dr. Masni Mohamad
• Honorary Secretary – Prof. Dr. Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof
• Asst. Honorary Secretary – Associate Prof. Dr. Zubaidah Nor Hanipah
• Honorary Treasurer – Prof. Dr. Norlaila Mustafa
• Committee Member – Dr. Nalini M. Selveindran
• Committee Member – Dr. Wong Ping Foo
• Social Media Advocate – Dr. Ariff Fahmi Zawawi
• Sub-com (Training & Development) – Mr. Nazrul Hadi Ismail
• Sub-com (Research) – Prof Dr. Firdaus Mukhtar
• Sub-com (Communication & Branding) – Dr. Feisul Idzwan

We thank each of you for your vision, dedication, and tireless service in these foundational years. �

Here’s to a new chapter of collaboration, innovation, and excellence in the fight against obesity! ��

� To learn more, visit:
https://www.myos.org.my/myos/myos-home

� Follow us for updates:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Malaysian-Obesity-Society/61556718276892/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/malaysian-obesity-society-myos/?originalSubdomain=my

14/04/2025

One-hour session on the 'secrets' to weight management?
Well… if you're expecting magical fix, I have none. But if you're ready for real, evidence-based strategies, then you're in the right place.
This session was part of SMCP’s initiative to support staff who are struggling with excess weight. Today, I shared some practical tools & mindset shifts that help to make a difference.
We covered topics like:
• Setting SMART goals
• Creating a supportive environment
• Food journaling
• Understanding types of hunger
• Easing cravings
• Eating out & festive eating
• Habit stacking
• Exercise strategies
• Managing food pushers
All of these are broken down further on my page. Feel free to explore! (View pictures on my page).
Big thanks to Verona Lee, our amazing lead dietitian, for the invite. Wishing all the Fit Buddy teams great success in the journey ahead!
Remember, it’s not about willpower, it’s skill power!

06/04/2025

Selamat Hari Raya!
To all my patients, friends, and followers: If your clothes feel a little snug and the scale crept up a bit after the festive feasting, you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not a failure.
Raya is about reconnecting, celebrating, and yes… enjoying that extra piece of rendang and kuih with our loved ones. Weight gain during this time doesn’t undo your progress. What matters more is how we move forward after the celebration.
So let’s get back on track, with kindness, consistency, and compassion (not guilt or punishment).
One balanced meal 🥗,
one walk 🚶,
one good night’s sleep 😴 at a time.
You’ve done it before. You can do it again.