Malaysia has the highest number of overweight and obese children in the South East Asian region1. This is unsurprising as more than 10% of all Malaysian children are obese2. These numbers are a concern as childhood obesity increases the likelihood for the child to become an obese adult with severe health complications3. This has been proven through studies that have found diabetes and hypertension developing in children as young as 10 years of age4.
1. Ng M, et al. Lancet. 2014;384(9945):766–781.
2. Institute for Public Health (IPH) 2015. National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2015. Vol II: Non-Communicable Diseases, Risk Factors and Other Health Problems; 2015. Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
3. Biro FM and Wien M. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010;91(suppl):1499S–1505S.
4. Cunningham SA, et al. NEJM. 2014;370(15):403–411.
ProtFit Clinic Program was initiated by both Malaysian Paediatric Association (MPA) and Nestlé Nutrition Institute (NNI).
The key objective of this program is to support and empower the Malaysian healthcare professionals to carry out initiatives to children between 6 months and 6 years to prevent childhood obesity.
The program is designed with the aim to promote healthy and active lifestyle, instead of focusing on weight reduction.