Children obesity is a condition where excess body fat negatively affects a child's health or

wellbeing. As methods to determine body fat directly are difficult, the diagnosis of obesity is
often based on BMI. A study was conducted from March to June 1991 to determine the
prevalence of obesity among primary school children in the State of Selangor.Whilst the problem
may not be as serious as that found in developed countries, the findings of this study should serve
as an early warning to health authorities of the seriousness of the problem. [1] A research
conducted by the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) found that more than a quarter of our primary school
children are obese. The number of obese kids in rural areas is rising and the problem is worse in
urban areas. Among the many factors which contribute to the increasing prevalence of children
obesity include environment and genetic factors. [2] Lead researcher Norimah A. Karim said the
foods and beverages which children and parents choose can have an impact on the eating habits
of these children. It was also found that the children were very sedentary. Prince Court Medical
Centre chief dietitian and lifestyle modification centre head, Datin Farah Diba Khan said parents
can prepare quick and healthy breakfasts for their children such as ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook
meals to ensure that they start their day with a proper meal. For examples, breakfast cereals,
cereal bars, sandwiches and scrambled eggs are some of the more nutritious food that parents can
prepare quickly.

citations

1. THE NUTRITION SOCIETY OF MALAYSIA, March 1996, Volume 2 No. 1
2. Kasmini K., Idris M.N., Fatimah A., Hanafiah S., Iran H & Asmah Bee M.N. (1997). Prevalence of
overweight and obese school children aged between 7 to 16 years amongst the major 3 ethnic
groups in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition 6 (3): 172-174.