Malaysia must strengthen controls on the marketing of unhealthy food as constant exposure to advertisements for products high in sugar, fat and salt is believed to be one of the key factors driving the rise in childhood obesity nationwide.
Latest findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 revealed that 54.4 per cent of Malaysians are now overweight or obese, marking an increase from 50.1 per cent recorded in 2019.
Even more alarming, 30.7 per cent of children and teenagers in the country are currently facing weight-related problems, raising serious public health concerns.
Paediatric endocrinology consultant from Universiti Malaya Specialist Centre (UMSC), Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin, said Malaysia should consider implementing measures similar to those introduced in the United Kingdom, including restricting unhealthy food promotions on television and digital platforms.
He explained that scientific evidence has already shown children are highly influenced by advertising, especially through television, social media and online content.
“Children are easily affected by food advertisements. That is why stricter controls should be seriously considered,” he said.
Apart from limiting junk food advertisements, Dr Muhammad Yazid suggested tighter regulations on promotions for foods high in sugar, fat and salt, clearer nutrition labelling, stronger healthy eating programmes in schools and efforts to encourage more active lifestyles among children.
Earlier this year, the United Kingdom implemented a nationwide ban on unhealthy food advertising on television before 9pm as well as paid online advertisements involving food and drinks high in fat, salt and sugar.
According to the UK Health Department, the policy was introduced to reduce children’s exposure to unhealthy food marketing and is expected to prevent around 20,000 obesity cases while generating long-term health benefits worth approximately £2 billion.
Dr Muhammad Yazid warned that obesity rates among Malaysian children have risen significantly over the past two decades, adding that society’s tendency to view overweight children as “cute” could dangerously normalise obesity.
“What seems cute today could eventually lead to diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease at a young age,” he stressed.
He noted that around 70 per cent of obese children are at high risk of remaining obese into adulthood if unhealthy eating habits are not corrected early.
The specialist also highlighted that obese children face serious physical health risks including Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, asthma, joint problems and sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea.
Beyond physical health, he said many overweight children also struggle mentally and emotionally due to bullying, social stigma, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression.
“These issues can affect academic performance, social relationships and emotional development, with long-term consequences lasting into adulthood if not addressed early,” he said.
Dr Muhammad Yazid added that childhood obesity is strongly linked to sedentary lifestyles, excessive intake of ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks, as well as factors during pregnancy and early childhood development.
“Science shows obesity can begin very early through biological changes that program the body to store excess fat from a young age,” he explained.
Meanwhile, senior assistant director of nutrition at the Federal Territories Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Health Department, Nor Azah Ahmad, said childhood obesity should not be viewed merely as a weight issue because it can lead to severe long-term complications.
Citing local and international studies, she said about 56 per cent of obese children referred to hospitals in Malaysia suffer from metabolic syndrome or combinations of serious health risk factors.
She also pointed to research showing obese children are more likely to experience bone fractures and chronic joint pain due to imbalances between bone mass and body weight.
Nor Azah said the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) has already introduced several initiatives to encourage healthier eating habits, including the Healthy Meals in Schools Programme (HiTS) and the Healthier Choice Logo (HCL) programme to help consumers identify healthier products.
She explained that the HCL initiative not only raises public awareness but also encourages manufacturers to reduce sugar and fat content in their products.
Looking ahead, Nor Azah urged authorities to tighten digital marketing controls involving food and beverage products while improving the implementation of the sugary drinks tax.
She also suggested introducing easier-to-understand nutrition labels and considering a shift from voluntary compliance towards mandatory regulations to better protect public health.
