Teach children healthy habits early for long-term benefits, says MMA

The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has emphasized the importance of teaching children healthy habits from a young age in order to protect their long-term health and prevent an increase in cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

In a statement, the MMA called for early education on healthy habits to be prioritized as part of a national strategy to promote a healthy lifestyle among Malaysians and combat the growing number of NCD cases.

The MMA warned that the high prevalence of NCDs could have negative effects on the country’s productivity, strain the healthcare system, and increase healthcare costs. They stressed the need to address the health of the younger generation and prevent NCDs before they occur.

The prevalence of child obesity has significantly risen in Malaysia, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey. In 2019, 14.8% of children aged 5 to 17 were found to be obese, compared to 6.1% in 2011. Alarmingly, it is projected that by 2025, 1.65 million Malaysian school children will be overweight or obese.

Cultivating healthy habits in children during their formative years is crucial, as it ensures that these habits are maintained into adulthood.

Schools can play a key role in promoting healthy habits among children, given the amount of time they spend there. The MMA proposes that the Health Ministry and Education Ministry collaborate on a comprehensive policy to educate children from kindergarten to secondary school on the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle in order to prevent NCDs.

The proposed policy includes various measures such as banning junk food in schools, training school canteen operators on preparing nutritious meals, providing basic nutrition education, and displaying calorie and nutrition information on food sold in school canteens. It also suggests monitoring BMI and implementing health education that covers various aspects of a healthy lifestyle.

To promote an active lifestyle, the MMA recommends incorporating daily full body workouts or physical exercises into the school timetable and encouraging students to take up at least one sport or join a sports club.

Furthermore, the MMA suggests developing a whole-of-school policy that encourages physical activity among students, teachers, and staff. They propose creating a school environment that facilitates physical activity by providing facilities such as football fields, badminton courts, and running tracks, with the potential support of corporate organizations through their corporate social responsibility programs.

Lastly, the MMA highlights the important role parents play in supporting their child’s healthy development and urges the government to consider including programs or activities that involve parents.