Melaka Steps Up Sugar Reduction Campaign After Study Reveals 1 In 2 People In State Are Overweight

MELAKA, July 25 (Bernama) -- The Melaka state government has stepped up its sugar reduction campaign at eateries in the state after a 2023 health study revealed that at least one out of two people in the state were either overweight or obese.

State Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem said based on the findings of the four-year National Health and Morbidity Study (NHMS), the overweight rate of people in the state was 33.3 per cent while the obesity rate was 25.1 per cent, adding that both rates were higher than their national averages.

"Melaka is the state with the second highest number of diabetic patients overall, at 20.5 percent, inloving those who knew they had diabetes during the study and those who didn’t know they were diabetic during the study but with blood tests indicating that they actually had the disease.

"The trend of this non-communicable disease is very worrisome as obesity and diabetes, besides high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, can cause stroke and cardiovascular disease that can result in premature death,” he told reporters after a cleanliness walkabout here today. 

He also shared that the sugar reduction campaign is aimed to boost awareness among businesses to reduce sugar in preparation of food and drink and will be expanded to all levels of the community in stages.

“Excessive sugar intake needs to be avoided to control and maintain ideal body weight as well as to avoid dangerous non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and furthermore heart disease and stroke.

"People are also advised to adopt a healthy lifestyle by exercising and to avoid overeating,” he added.

-- BERNAMA