Malaysian Food Barometer reveals high obesity risk of city dwellers

By Wong Li Yee

 

SUBANG JAYA – Malaysians eat out pretty often – for every two meals eaten, one was eaten outside their home. This fact was highlighted in a press conference in Taylor’s University on 9 Sept.

 

Data from the Malaysian Food Barometer (MFB) indicated that the habit of eating out would only increase over time.

 

MFB is a food research study, which combines socio-anthropological and nutritional surveys, headed by Taylor’s Toulouse University Centre co-director Professor Jean Pierre Poulain.

 

It also revealed that those living in cities cared more about pleasure derived through meals rather than preventing health issues.

 

Staple Malaysian meals are high in carbohydrates and have little nutritional value, which aggravates the problem of obesity here.

 

Professor Jean Pierre pointed out that the food service operators are well positioned to help fight issues like obesity as they have control over ingredients and type of food served to customers.

 

Students are advised to cook their own meals or eat at home more often to maintain their weight. Other methods to lose weight include joining weight loss programmes or exercise in the gym with friends.

 

In a recent study published in June 2014 from the British medical journal ‘The Lancet’, 49% of women and 44% of men in Malaysia were found to be obese.

To complement the efforts of combating obesity, Taylor's School of Hospitality students are guided by their lecturers to craft healthy menus as part of their curriculum.

 

The programme director of Culinology Dr Chong Li Choo said that culinology students are to find new healthier methods to prepare traditional food while still retaining its deliciousness as part of their final year project.