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Obesity Problem of Malaysian Children

Today, approximately 25 percent of children and teenagers are obese and the

number is on the rise. Since the 1960s childhood obesity has increased by 54 percent inchildren ages six to eleven. In children twelve to seventeen it has increased by 39 percent.

Childhood obesity is so prevalent amo ng these age groups that it has reached epidemic

proportions.

There are many factors that contribute to causing obesity including physical activity,

lifestyle, eating habits, environment, family and genetic inheritance. The environment in

which the child is in has a great impact on how healthy the child will be. A healthy

environment that promotes healthy diet is one that encourages the consumption of nutritious

foods at a reasonable amount and regular physical activities. However, according to a recentsurvey conducted most students obtain their junk food from KFC, Pizza Hut, Dominoes, Mc

Donald or the school tuck shop. This indicates that advertising of high -calorie foods

promotes obesity in children and adolescents. Therefore, a healthy environment created at

home, school and beyond can assist in weight control efforts.

One cause of childhood obesity is genetics. Children who have parents or siblings

who are overweight have an increased risk of becoming obese themselves. Genetics

accounts for approximately 25 percent to 40 percent to childhood obesity. Although genetics

is a significant factor, diet and lifestyle also play an important role in the in crease of

childhood obesity.

Consumption of soft drinks has an impact on childhood obesity. According to France

Ellisle from Frances Institute of Health and Medical Research, there is a direct connection

between weight gain and sugar. The average adolescent is consuming about fifteen to

twenty teaspoons of sugar daily. Along with the sugar children are eating more and more

fast food. The sit down dinner has come to an end. In most families both parents work

fulltime leaving little time to prepare healthy meal s. Parents look for food that is quick, cheap

and satisfies the child. The problem with fast food is that has very little nutritious value and is

often high in fat and salt content, with a good measure of preservative.

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Adopting healthy habits for lifetime weight control includes regular physical activity

and nutritious eating. However, it could be argued that the life style of todays children and

adolescents is too sedentary. Malaysian children spend 20 hours of watchin g television,

playing Nintendo and computer games or surfing the Internet. According to a recent survey

conducted most students dont do exercise at all, yet they spend about 13 hours of television

and surfing the Internet (not including hours of study) an d consuming junk food every day.

Poor eating habits mean that the children are at higher risk. Eating patterns that have been

related with over-consumption of high calorie foods are eating when not hungry, before main

meals, while watching television and d oing homework. This shows that what children learn

about eating habits and nutrition from their parents has a direct impact on what they will eat.

Some individuals have a genetic tendency to gain weight and store fat. Although not

everyone with this tendency will become obese, some persons without genetic tendency do

become obese. This is because our genes determine rates of metabolism. Wardlaw, Insel

and Seyler suggest that genetic background accounts for about 70% of weight differences

between people. A child chance of obesity depends on the parents. Obesity amongst

Malaysian children is a serious matter that goes beyond a child putting on a few kilos. It is an

issue with many health and social consequences that often continue into adulthood. Obesity

increase ones risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke

gallbladder disease, cancers, pulmonary disease, bone joint disorders and early death.

There is no doubt that obesity can be prevented at an early age in childhood.

Physical activity and nutritional is the main way of preventing obesity in children. Also

parents and school are also the critical links in providing the foundation for these behaviours.

Adapting a healthy behaviour at a young age is a crucial factor since it is difficult to change

at an older age. This however depends on the parent. Parents are the most important role

models for children. Outside the home, children spend the majority of time at school.

Therefore, schools should provide nutritional lunches sold at the tuck shop and also promotea physical exercise programme.

From this evidence, it can be understood that obesity in children is more than a visual

concern. It is a critical problem concerning childrens health and their future self -esteem. It is

an issue that requires early intervention on a home and community level. Obese children

become obese adults.

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