In a recent LinkedIn post, Choo Ann NGOH shares a personal and observational reflection on the changing landscape of advertising, particularly focusing on the decline of advertisements for weight loss and related products in English dailies.
NGOH begins by humorously framing personal weight gain as a form of “growth,” a perspective contrasted with their “Finance Minister’s” view. This lighthearted opening sets the stage for a deeper observation about societal trends and advertising shifts.
“Was 2026 a year of growth for me? You bet. It is the only year where I have graduated from size 34 pants to size 36😱😅”
This personal anecdote, while humorous, serves as a relatable entry point for NGOH’s broader commentary. The author then pivots to a more analytical observation regarding the prevalence of advertisements in traditional media.
The Decline of Weight-Related Advertisements
NGOH highlights a significant decrease in ads related to weight management and dieting, noting a dramatic drop from a peak in 2013 to zero in recent years. This observation is supported by data presented in a slide, which NGOH references in their post.
“The slide below shows 9 ads on 10th Sep 2012, Monday. One day. 9 ads. At the peak, there were 689 ads in 2013😱😅 Down to 24 in 2019. Zero in 2021 till now😱😅”
According to NGOH, the number of such advertisements in their subscribed English daily has dwindled considerably. In 2013, the peak year, there were 689 ads. By 2019, this number had fallen to 24. The starkest observation is that by 2021, and continuing to the present, there were effectively zero such advertisements.
Societal Shifts and Advertising Strategies
NGOH speculates on the reasons behind this decline. While not explicitly stated, the implication is a potential shift in how weight management is perceived or advertised, or perhaps a move by advertisers to different platforms. The author also touches upon the prevalence of overweight adults in Malaysia, citing a statistic that suggests more than half of Malaysian adults are overweight, further contrasting with the disappearance of these ads.
“My former fren, the weighing scale has been telling me just that for the past few years😱😅”
NGOH’s post prompts readers to consider broader societal changes and how they are reflected in media and advertising. The author concludes by engaging the audience directly, asking if they too have experienced a “year of growth,” continuing the playful, yet insightful, tone.
“(Raises hand)🙋Is 2026 a year of growth for you?🤷”
This reflection by NGOH offers a unique blend of personal experience and keen observation, inviting a conversation about evolving consumer trends and advertising effectiveness in the modern era.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Choo Ann NGOH on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on September 10, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →