Children Obesity

Children Obesity

Obesity is a growing problem in Malaysia. According to a study in 2011 by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia has the highest child obesity in South East Asia. Child obesity is a serious problem in Malaysia.

There may be many causes of obesity, but improper diet and lack of exercise are the main causes. The symptoms of obesity include shortness of breath, poor cardiac function, poor blood circulation, poor vital capacity, metabolism disorder, sport injury etc.

Obesity is no longer an adult problem and child obesity is growing day by day thanks to fast food culture and changing lifestyle. A recent study has revealed a worrying obesity trend among primary school children. Child obesity is a chronic problem which requires a long term solution, the co-operation of parents and children are important to achieve result.

It is estimated that at least one tenth of the children age from 5 to 17 are obese and the numbers are increasing. For example, in the US obesity in children of age 6 to 18 has increased to 25% in 1990 from 15% in 1970.

The 1Student 1Sport Policy implemented by the Ministry of Education is aimed to reduce child obesity problem. Sport requires discipline and perseverance. The parents must impose on their child to help out in house chores as a mean of exercise.

Parents should encourage their children to participate in sports outside the school. We must implement to our children the importance of sports to our health and mental development. It is equally important as academic achievement.

Besides increased physical fitness, sports can also instil team spirit as displayed in sport events such as Thomas Cup where everyone cheers and stands behind the sportsmen irrespective of race.

Let’s encourage our children to participate in sports to instil in them the importance of sport to our health and mental development as well as a form of reducing stress.

Equally, a healthy adult and/or child also must take up sport or exercise to maintain their good state of health and physical exercise will keep the doctor away.