BEING overweight or obese is a growing concern, not only in rich developed countries but also in those which are developing. It is rather unfortunate that we Malaysians have the honour of having the highest obesity prevalence in Southeast Asia.

According to The Economist Intelligence Unit report titled “Tackling Obesity in Asean”, obesity prevalence in Malaysia is 13.3% while 38.5% of the population is overweight, a condition which had reportedly cost the country between RM4.26 billion and RM8.53 billion in 2016.

The frightening part is, obesity is becoming an epidemic. We are now fighting high incidence of preventable obesity related diseases which includes diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer and high cholesterol, not to mention other social weight-related issues, such as depression, disability, sexual problems, shame and guilt, social isolation and loss of productivity.

While we already have in place comprehensive regulations and government policy initiatives to tackle this problem, unfortunately we continue to top the obesity chart.

This is because we as individuals have refused to own up to our responsibility of living and eating healthily. It appears that we are happy living an inactive lifestyle while consciously allowing our taste buds to eat into our health.

Other than genetic factors, obesity is also linked to lifestyle choices, and that is completely within our own control. If we choose to compromise by giving in to the demands of our taste buds and remain inactive, nothing will ever change.

Perhaps it is time for the government to include personal wellness as a lesson in schools so that individuals are trained on the importance of embracing a healthy lifestyle from a young age.

On the other hand, it is vital for parents to discharge their own responsibility of living and eating healthily, setting an example for their children to follow. There is a lot of information available on the internet on healthy living. All we have to do is look for it and apply it in our lives.

If only we as consumers are mindful of embracing a healthier lifestyle by simply asking ourselves the question if is it necessary to consume oily, sugary, salty, processed, high-fat and calorie-laden food throughout the day!

The Malaysia Consumers Movement (MCM) trusts that we can make a difference and mould a high-impact society, but only if we take the first step. – March 13, 2018.

* Darshan Singh Dhillon is Malaysia Consumers Movement president.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.