17% teens facing obesity problems

THE Minister of Health has described obesity as worrying in Brunei after 17 per cent of teenagers were found suffering from weight related problems in a World Health Organisation (WHO) study.

Citing WHO’s Global School Health Survey 2014, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Adanan Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Seri Setia Hj Mohd Yussof said the obesity rate of 17 per cent was prevalent among teenagers aged between 13 to 17.

The minister was speaking during the launch of the first PARK (Program Aktif dan Riadah untuk Kesihatan) project at Tasik Sarubing, Mukim Kota Batu.

A total of 2,599 students participated in the health survey, according to the study’s fact sheet on Brunei.

The statistics also showed that there were more obese students among males than females.

YB Pehin Dato Hj Adanan went on to say that the number of obese adults have also doubled from 12 per cent in 1997 to 27 per cent in 2011.

“If we do not combat obesity, not only we would be exposing ourselves to life-threatening diseases but also jeopardising our quality of life, health, work, productivity, income and may even burden our family,” he said.

He added that the key to fighting obesity is to be more committed and disciplined in wanting not just a better life but also a healthier lifestyle.

“Obesity, particularly among children, should be taken very seriously. So let us together as a nation curb this issue hand in hand for a better and healthier tomorrow,” the minister said.

He also highlighted the importance of parents and guardians in encouraging as well as nurturing their children to be more active in physical activities and adopt healthy dietary habits.

The minister said exercising at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week can help lose weight and reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure. A healthy diet is also vital to maintain a healthy body, added.

YB Pehin Dato Hj Adanan also hoped members of the public would take advantage of facilities such as the Health Promotion Centre and Tasik Sarubing to practice a healthy lifestyle.


Sumber - The Brunei Times