Vietnam’s Healthier and More Lovely Me: Fourth Edition Highlights Prevention-Driven Health gains

In Hanoi on the evening of january 7, a press briefing at the Vietnam-Soviet Friendship Palace of Labor and culture marked the culmination of the Health and Lifestyle newspaper’s fourth edition of the “I am Healthier and More Beatiful” contest. The event, organized in collaboration with life Vietnam, celebrated a three-month program that combines nutrition education with supervised physical activity to promote disease prevention.

Despite a crisp winter mood in the capital, attendees from the health sector, participants, and readers arrived well ahead of schedule to capture moments from the awards ceremony tied to the program’s fourth run.

Program overview and key moments

Leading the ceremony were top health officials and organizers, including the Deputy Minister of Health and the chair of the National Medical Council, alongside the newspaper’s editor-in-chief and the competition’s steering committee. The event emphasized that the contest goes beyond weight metrics, focusing on lasting health practices and the social impact of participants’ journeys.

Launched in 2022, the competition invites citizens to engage in a structured path of nutrition education and exercise, aiming to reduce the burden of chronic diseases and elevate overall well-being. Over its four editions, the program has evolved into a broad movement that champions scientific eating, regular physical activity, and proactive health management.

How the contest unfolded

1. Round 1: After registration and online participation,the top 100 finalists receive a month of nutrition education and practical training.
2. Round 2: Online exams and expert interactions help narrow the field to the top 30 candidates.
3. Round 3: A final ranking selects the top 12 winners, honoring both numerical improvements and the ability to articulate health strategies to judges.

The fourth edition attracted 5,332 participants from diverse backgrounds, including teachers, healthcare workers, fitness professionals, students, office workers, and business leaders. The collective aim remained clear: foster healthier lifestyles through science-based nutrition and consistent exercise.

Organizers highlighted extraordinary outcomes: more than 21,000 kilograms of weight lost across participants and over 23,000 centimeters shaved from waists. Nearly all participants showed some weight change, and a large majority shared the program’s health messages with family and friends, amplifying its reach beyond direct entrants.

Beyond direct applicants, thousands engaged through networked activities across rounds, underscoring the program’s expansive reach within the community. The average participant age ranged between 30 and 45, with a wide geographic and occupational mix.

Winners, awards, and stories of change

The awarding ceremony recognized multiple prize tiers. A special prize of 50 million VND went to Ngo xuan Bach of Hanoi, while the top individual prize of 30 million VND went to Nguyen Thi Van of Quang Ngai. Additional accolades included two second-place prizes, three third-place prizes, and five fourth-place prizes distributed among ten other participants.

One standout journey belonged to Ngo Xuan Bach. Once weighing over 100 kilograms and grappling with high cholesterol, fatty liver disease, and elevated blood pressure, he committed to a disciplined routine of exercise and nutrition. Through the program, he shed about 23 kilograms and reduced his waistline by 21 centimeters, gaining strength and reclaiming daily vitality. His improvements also extended to his mother,who benefited from his healthier lifestyle as she lost weight and saw improvements in sleep and cardiovascular health.

Speakers at the ceremony stressed that changes in body measurements reflect more than aesthetics; they symbolize disease prevention through ongoing nutrition education and physical activity. The emphasis remains on long-term health outcomes rather than short-term fashion or appearance shifts.

Policy backdrop and lasting impact

2025 marked a pivotal year for Vietnam’s health governance. A shift toward prevention over treatment was formalized in prominent policy updates, including a national disease prevention framework that places people at the center of care. Experts say these measures formalize prevention as a core health strategy, pairing primary care with robust health dialog to sustain wellness over time.

Health advocates note that such policy momentum aligns with global health priorities, underscoring prevention, early intervention, and community engagement as durable levers for public health enhancement. The competition’s philosophy—lifelong disease prevention and early prevention—mirrors these aims and reinforces the role of public health education in everyday life.

Program partners and ongoing influence

The Health and Lifestyle newspaper continues its collaboration with Life Vietnam and Herbalife Vietnam, reinforcing a long-standing commitment to health education and community engagement. The program’s reach—through online platforms, specialized sites, and social media—continues to attract millions of daily readers, extending its influence beyond the awards.

For readers seeking context, the program’s ethos aligns with global health efforts that champion prevention, early intervention, and sustained lifestyle changes as foundations for long-term well-being.Learn more from international health authorities and World Bank policy analyses on health promotion and disease prevention.

What do you think about prioritizing prevention in public health? How might communities sustain momentum after such programs end?

Share your thoughts below or join the conversation on social media.

Disclaimer: Health improvements vary by individual. Consult healthcare professionals for personalized guidance.

Further reading:
World Health Association — Noncommunicable Diseases •
World Bank — vietnam Health Reform