THE prevalence of obesity among children below the age of 18 has increased over the years, Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni told the Senate today. 

“The prevalence of obesity (based on BMI) among school children aged 10 to 18 has increased from 12.3% in 2012 to 14.8% in 2017,” he said in the Dewan Negara today.

“As of 2022, the rate is at 14.3%.”

He was responding to a question from Senator Dr Lingeshwaran Arunasalam, who asked about the obesity index of children under 18.

Lukanisman said Perlis has the most number of obese children of this age group. 

“Perlis recorded the highest percentage of obesity at 15.2% in 2012, 17.5% in 2017 and 18% in 2022,” he said.

Lukanisman said the data for the other states and territories will be supplied in a written answer.

Meanwhile, Lukanisman said the ministry has taken steps to address weight issues among children, such as including nutrition lessons in the school curriculum, screening the nutritional status of student, and referring obese students to nutrition science officers for consultation.

He said the menu in school canteens are monitored and continuous guidance is given to canteen operators and school administrators. 

“This is to ensure compliance with the ban on the sale of non-nutritious food such as sausages, nuggets and carbonated drinks,” he said. 

In addition, Lukanisman said the Health Ministry had worked with the Education Ministry to introduce a nutritious meal programme in schools, featuring a list of nutritious menus for school canteens. 

He said participation is voluntarily and that 78 schools have signed up. 

Lukanisman said the “Your Best Way of Living” initiative was implemented to empower the Parent Teacher Association to organise activities to promote healthy eating and lifestyle practices. 

The Health Ministry Ministry has also collaborated with the United Nation Children’s Fund to launch the obesity intervention project in schools.

The Young Doctor Club was incepted for students to serve as peer advocates in school for health education. – June 22, 2023.