Childhood Obesity to Seriously Impact Economy, Productivity, Says Expert

A Public Health Concern

A public health expert has warned that childhood obesity has serious implications for Malaysia’s economic competitiveness and could lead to a decline in productivity if not promptly addressed. Dr. Norliza Ahmad of Universiti Putra Malaysia said obese children faced high risks of developing non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer.

Alarming Levels

According to the 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey, 16.2% of Malaysians aged 10 to 19 were overweight while 14.3% were obese. Dr. Norliza Ahmad described the prevalence of childhood obesity as “alarming levels.” Malaysia has the highest childhood obesity rate in Southeast Asia, with figures showing that the prevalence of obesity among children has crept up from 6.1% in 2011 to 11.9% in 2015.

Financial Strain on Healthcare System

Dr. Norliza Ahmad warned that the rising number of obesity cases was placing huge pressure on healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals, clinics, and health personnel. She also cautioned that the current facilities might not be able to cater for the growing demand of patients. The public healthcare system also had to bear indirect costs such as the loss of productivity due to absenteeism, disability, or premature death among patients.

Cost of Treatment

The cost of treating obesity-related diseases places a substantial burden on the public healthcare system because it requires significant expenditure. A health ministry report recently revealed that diabetes treatment alone cost RM4.38 billion, while the expenses for heart disease and cancer amounted to RM3.93 billion and RM1.34 billion, respectively.

Parents’ Role in Combating Obesity

Dr. Nazatul Haslina Ramly, a paediatric consultant at Denai Alam Children’s Specialist Clinic, emphasized the importance of parents’ role in combating childhood obesity. She said that obese children often experience stress, low self-esteem, and depression, and are at higher risk of being bullied. Parents must have adequate knowledge about their child’s nutrition, from pregnancy through adolescence.

Factors Contributing to Childhood Obesity

Other factors contributing to childhood obesity include early exposure to ultra-processed foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats such as chips, instant noodles, nuggets, and sausages.

Conclusion

In conclusion, childhood obesity is a serious public health concern that requires immediate attention. The rising prevalence of obesity among children in Malaysia is not only a health issue but also an economic concern. It is essential for parents to take proactive steps to address childhood obesity, and for policymakers to develop effective strategies to combat this issue.

FAQs

Q: What are the risks associated with childhood obesity?
A: Obese children face high risks of developing non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer.

Q: What is the current prevalence of childhood obesity in Malaysia?
A: According to the 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey, 16.2% of Malaysians aged 10 to 19 are overweight, while 14.3% are obese.

Q: What are the financial implications of childhood obesity?
A: The cost of treating obesity-related diseases places a substantial burden on the public healthcare system, with estimates suggesting that diabetes treatment alone costs RM4.38 billion.

Q: What can parents do to combat childhood obesity?
A: Parents must have adequate knowledge about their child’s nutrition, from pregnancy through adolescence, and take proactive steps to promote healthy eating habits and regular physical activity.