Poor Nutrition May Affect the Long-Term Health of Malaysian Children
Published
A recent survey found that poor nutrition may pose long-term risks to the health of Malaysian children. The survey shows that nutritional problems still persist among children in the country.
According to the survey, 8.9 per cent of children experience stunting. In addition, 6.7 per cent of children suffer from wasting, 9.2 per cent are overweight, and 8.8 per cent are obese. This means that a portion of children have weight and height problems that are not appropriate for their age.
Stunting occurs when children do not receive sufficient nutrients over a long period, causing their height to be lower than normal. Wasting, on the other hand, indicates that a child's body weight is too low relative to their height. Conversely, being overweight and obesity are associated with consuming more calories than the body needs. This shows that nutritional problems are not only related to a lack of food, but also to an unbalanced intake of food.
The survey indicates that children's nutritional health needs to be given attention. Health problems in childhood can affect a person's health when they become adults.
Sources: NST Online
More Malaysia news
- Malaysian Stock Market Opens Higher After US Tech Stocks Recover
- Analysts: Malaysia's Tech Sector Faces Sentiment Decline, Not Earnings Impact
- Skilled Workforce Essential for Malaysia's Digital Transformation
- Malaysia Outlines Plans to Strengthen Digital Security and Improve Internet Connectivity
- Malaysia Targets One Million Affordable Homes Through Modular Construction Technology
- Two New Political Parties Emerge Amid Political Divisions in Malaysia
- Sabah PH Chairman Urges Parties Not to Use Religion as a Political Weapon
- Malaysia Wants Smoother Medical Claims Process