OBESITY is a serious concern in Malaysia and efforts are being taken to address the problem at an early stage. A 2011 National Health Morbidity Survey found that 5.4 per cent, or almost half a million children, are obese. Several nationwide surveys involving schoolchildren of different age ranges have shown similar findings. By definition, this means that their body mass index (BMI), which compares a person’s height to weight, exceeds 30 points. This is an alarming development given the health consequences of obesity as the child grows up and lifestyle changes are not made. While the diseases are incommunicable, the cost of treatment, given the large number of sufferers, is a burden on the country’s health system. In addition, as the population is small, it is essential for the Malaysian human capital to be healthy. Optimal health is to Malaysia as water is to fish; indispensable.
Action must be taken to stop this negative trend that, ironically, results from an increase in national economic prosperity. In many cultures, unfortunately, traditional attitudes view fat as positive, symbolising wellbeing. The Asian psyche remains mired in memories of poverty and famine, where the emaciated figure is seen as failure to hack it in this life. Hence, the mistaken pride that parents take in having fat children. As the problem of obesity starts young, the government has announced that it will be handled in schools. A “My Body Fit and Fabulous” (MyBFF@school) programme will be implemented under the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP) in all schools. The programme is under the purview of the Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council Malaysia (GSIAC), chaired by the prime minister and will be implemented by the Health Ministry with the cooperation of the Education Ministry.
A pilot project has begun where participants join in structured physical activity. The chosen small-sided football game is well-documented as an effective tool in reducing weight in obese children. They will also attend intensified and interactive nutrition and psychology classes to introduce them to notions of self-esteem and self-empowerment. This mix of physical activity wedded to nutrition and psychology sessions have produced the desired reduction in the participating child’s BMI and body fat, and an increase in muscle mass. The report, however, does not mention parental involvement given that supervision by schools are limited to school hours. It is presumed that the psychology sessions sustain the child’s eating pattern when at home. For, if the programme is not designed to produce a round-the-clock effect, how then is the child to overcome lifestyle problems that begin in the homes, in the first place? Obesity is indeed a problem that is growing in intensity here and elsewhere in the world. In children, however, any approach must seek to avoid stigmas. When the MyBFF@school programme is rolled out, teachers must be wary of teasing among children, which can have debilitating impact. Operationally, therefore, a delicate approach is needed to avoid shaming the participant.