The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Health Promotion Board (HPB) released new data showing that adults in Singapore are moving more and drinking less sugar, yet their average daily calorie intake rose from 2,360 in 2019 to 2,460 in 2025. A total of 57 % of residents now consume more energy than their recommended needs after accounting for activity levels.

Sodium intake has also climbed. The surveys recorded an average daily intake of 3,480 mg in 2019, increasing to 4,000 mg in 2025. Consequently, 95 % of Singapore residents exceed the recommended limit of 2,000 mg per day.

Eating out appears to be a key driver. Seven in 10 residents ate out at least once a day in 2025, up from six in 10 in 2019. Those who ate out more often tended to consume higher amounts of calories, saturated fat and sodium than people who ate out less frequently.

The composition of meals is changing as well. Consumption of refined carbohydrates such as white rice and white bread has risen, while total dietary fat grew from 94 g in 2019 to 103 g in 2025. Saturated fat now makes up 35 % of total fat, above the advised 30 % limit.

HPB suggested a possible reason for the calorie rise: with food costs going up, food‑and‑beverage operators may be using more refined carbs and less expensive protein sources. The board called this a hypothesis that still needs verification.

These trends mean that, despite higher physical activity levels, many adults are not improving the quality of their diet. Larger portion sizes, more frequent meals away from home, and a shift toward refined, high‑fat dishes are pushing overall calorie, fat and salt consumption upward.