Childhood Obesity – Prevalence among 7 and 8 year old Primary School Students in Kota Kinabalu
- Author:
Hon Loon Chong
;
Thian Lian Soo
;
Rahmah Rasat
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
2012;67(2):147-150
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Childhood obesity among school children is currently not a
prevalent health problem in Kota Kinabalu. However, the
complication of childhood obesity is serious. Authorities
should address this problem through the education of parents and children towards living a healthy lifestyle, encompassing teaching of healthy eating habits and encouragement of physical activities in school or leisure time should be promoted among all age groups. Pregnant and lactating women should be given advice on exclusive breast feeding to prevent childhood obesity. Early detection of obesity and hypertension are important. It will be useful to determine what factors in Kota Kinabalu enable a lower prevalence of obesity compared to the higher prevalence areas in the country. This could provide important information to design strategies to reduce obesity among school children nation wide.
