With nutrition literacy and health trends at an all-time high thanks to the internet, has Malaysia hopped on the bandwagon?
While malnutrition is a global concern, Malaysians face its repercussions on a more significant scale. The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) labels Malaysia as the "fattest" country in Southeast Asia, with the unique distinction of experiencing a triple malnutrition whammy: obesity, childhood stunting and wasting, and adult female anemia.
Here’s another shocking fact: One of the leading causes of premature deaths (age 15-59) here is due to ischaemic heart disease — which is affiliated with nutrition, or rather, the lack thereof.
Are we aware of the issue?
In 2016, the Ministry of Health Malaysia introduced the Malaysian Healthy Plate concept, illustrating the ideal composition of a balanced meal: 50% fruits and vegetables, 25% protein, and 25% whole grains and carbohydrates.
The shocking truth: 4 out of 5 Malaysians did not know what a Healthy Plate was. A mere 20.4% of Malaysians recognized its significance, and only 14% of adults in that group practiced healthy, balanced eating.
On a national scale, data from the Global Nutrition Report in 2018 reveals that Malaysians consume the most whole grains but the least vegetables and omega-3-rich foods compared to other Southeast Asian countries.
Our excessive consumption of whole grains, paradoxically, places us at risk of heart disease. We are not following the guidelines for healthy foods as recommended by the Malaysian Food Pyramid, nor does our collective understand why we should.
Is the pursuit of the modern lifestyle our biggest downfall?
With a booming economy over the past five decades, modern lifestyles have taken centre stage. As Malaysians grapple with the demands of fast-paced living, approximately 90% of working individuals struggle to prioritize healthy eating, and 64% fall short in the exercise department.
A relentless 40-hour workweek (pushing 48) puts Malaysians among the longest-working individuals in Southeast Asia, leaving limited room for self-care.
Driven by poor work-life balance and cultural influences, many have developed a reliance on dining out and home deliveries. A 2022 survey unveiled that 43% of Malaysians dine out up to five times weekly, with a staggering 19% dining out daily.
As the food culture in Malaysia goes, late-night mamak and McD runs are a Malaysian rite of passage. The cultural phenomenon of 24-hour food accessibility has given rise to some less-than-healthy late-night eating habits, contributing to a lifestyle that falls short of well-being.
Investing in your health today saves your money tomorrow
A wise man once said, “When diet is wrong medicine is of no use, when diet is correct medicine is of no need.” – that couldn’t be more true!
Health begins from within, and it all starts with our dietary choices. While vegetables and omega-3 foods are among the least consumed in Malaysia, they happen to be the best defenders against heart disease. Elevate your fibre intake and incorporate more fish into your diet.
Supplements can be an invaluable addition to your diet. They are a great way to attain needed nutrition that you are otherwise not getting enough from your meals.
You are your greatest asset and investment – quite literally. Nothing saves more money than a healthy body. Here’s what CME research found: for every ringgit spent on omega-3 supplements as a preventive daily regimen, RM4.50 is saved each time in averting the costs associated with coronary heart disease. The potential savings from avoided hospital utilization costs average RM42.44 million per year in Malaysia. This is from fish oil supplements alone.
Supplement consumption could also help us overcome our triple malnutrition burden as a nation by tackling specific nutritional needs. However, remember that supplements should complement a healthy diet, not replace it entirely. Nutrients in food are irreplaceable.
There’s no better time to begin prioritising your health than now. Let’s not ignore the growing crisis of our country and take baby steps towards a healthier nation together.
