Taking steps to prevent rate of obesity among adults from rising

NST ALOR STAR, KEDAH, TUES: OBESITY has not reached alarming levels in Malaysia but the Health Ministry is not taking any chances. Although only 27 per cent of adults are overweight, deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad said the ministry would continue to reduce a further three per cent during the next one year.
He said Malaysia's level of obesity was still low compared to developed countries such as the United States (63 per cent of adult population) and Australia (61 per cent of adult population).
He said a healthy eating campaign was launched two months ago by Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek to combat obesity, among other things.
"We want to prevent the number from escalating. Hopefully with campaigns we can prevent obesity among adults and children," Dr Latiff told reporters after the Second Young Doctors Convention here.