Addressing Childhood Obesity in Malaysia

Abstract

According to Malaysia’s National Health and Morbidity Survey, 50.1% of Malaysians are overweight, with childhood obesity increasing from 6.1% in 2011 to 14.8% in 2019. This highlights the urgent need to address childhood obesity. This case examines the causes of childhood obesity within Malaysia’s sociocultural context, including dietary choices, poverty and inequality, the impact of the Internet and lifestyle choices. It also evaluates existing policies that have been implemented in Malaysia, including mandatory physical education, school feeding programmes, public messaging and sugar taxes. Lastly, it explores alternative solutions, utilising case studies from other countries and ideas that have been raised by various stakeholders in Malaysia.