THREE in every 10 schoolgoing children are obese in Malaysia, a Health Ministry survey showed.
The main causes of obesity were consumption of junk and fast food and sweet drinks and lack of physical exercise.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the figures are no laughing matter.
"Our recent survey showed at least three in every 10 kids are overweight," he said in Miri today.
"This problem of obesity among children is a worrying problem now, and it is growing.
"In big cities like Putrajaya, we see this situation. In villages and longhouses too, we see the obesity rate growing among children.
"There will be serious health consequences for our future generations if we do not stop this problem."
Lukanisman said his office has launched educational awareness campaigns to promote a healthy lifestyle among the youth.
Schools and parent and teacher associations are participating in the programmes, he said.
Community leaders in residential areas, villages, and longhouses have also been asked to help. – July 23, 2024.
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