Teen Obesity Rates in Malaysia Expected to Soar

LONDON - Experts forecasted that nearly half a billion teenagers globally could be overweight or obese by 2030, raising concerns that teenage health has reached a critical juncture, according to PA Media/dpa reports.

In an extensive new assessment of adolescent health and well-being, specialists noted that key contributors to poor health amongst teens have shifted from smoking and drinking to issues like obesity and mental health concerns.

Experts cautioned that adolescent mental health has witnessed a considerable downturn over the last thirty years, a trend further worsened by the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic.

They forecasted that by 2030, approximately 464 million adolescents globally would be overweight or obese, which is an increase of 143 million from the year 2015.

However, the Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing noted: “When considering health risks, the usage of substances (particularly tobacco and alcohol) has decreased across all regions.”

The experts on the commission said action is needed to tackle threats to adolescents’ health and wellbeing.

They warned that progress in teenage health has "lagged well behind” the improvements that have been made in the health and development of young children - with these benefits being at risk of being "undermined” with increased ill-health in teenagers.

They added that current funding is "not proportionate with the magnitude of the challenge”.

Adolescence should no longer be overlooked... the moment to take action is now.

The writers of the report also pointed out that the transition to a "more digitized realm" might have a "significant effect on the future health and well-being of youth."

However, they cautioned against “excessively limiting” access, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance. They pointed out that the digital realm provides teenagers with fresh avenues for social engagement, learning, job prospects, and wellness initiatives.

In the meantime, they noted that this cohort of teens is the first to mature amidst more severe climatic circumstances.

"The youth of today represent the first generation of humans to undergo the continuous impacts of climate change throughout their lives," they stated.

Professor Sarah Baird, who serves as co-chairwoman and represents George Washington University in the U.S., stated, "Adolescents' health and well-being globally stand at a critical juncture; however, we have seen inconsistent advancements throughout the last thirty years."

Although the usage of tobacco and alcohol has decreased, and enrollment in secondary and tertiary education has gone up, overweight and obesity have surged by as much as eight times in certain African and Asian nations within the last thirty years. Additionally, there is an increasing global concern regarding poor mental health among adolescents.

Furthermore, the difficulties encountered by teenagers across the globe could be intensified by new worldwide concerns such as climate change, international disputes, and swift shifts towards a digitized society.

Channeling resources into the health and well-being of youth is essential for securing our shared tomorrow.

The writers behind the commission’s report highlight that "investing in adolescent health will grow more critical as we move through the 21st century." They further emphasize: "Given that populations are aging and birthrates are declining even in the least affluent nations, safeguarding the well-being of young people will be essential for every country’s health and economic success." - BERNAMA-PA Media/dpa