Study Rings Alarm: Thai Children Face Rising Obesity Crisis

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In a troubling revelation, a recent study has highlighted that Thailand ranks as the third worst in the ASEAN region for childhood obesity, trailing only Malaysia and Brunei. A staggering 13.4% of Thai children aged six to 14 are impacted by obesity amid poor dietary habits, with over 84% of them regularly consuming salty snacks.

 

To address this urgent dilemma, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) has joined forces with the Public Health Ministry and other organisations to spearhead a campaign aimed at fostering healthier eating habits. Dubbed "Don’t Let Children Become Obese," this initiative features a high-profile event held at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.

 

This gathering showcased innovative strategies to wean the youth off sweet, fatty, and salty foods, emphasising the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Yanee Ratborirak, acting director of ThaiHealth, outlined the alarming statistics that led to the campaign's urgency.

 

 

Echoing this concern, Sa-nga Damapong of the Nutrition Association of Thailand praised the initiative, noting its considerable impact over the past five years. He stressed the critical need for media and methods that effectively encourage children to embrace a more balanced lifestyle, integrating both healthy nutrition and increased physical activity.

 

As experts ring alarm bells over childhood obesity, the focus must tilt towards nurturing a cultural shift towards healthier behaviours, involving schools and community stakeholders in this vital endeavour.

 

-- 2025-01-17