World Health Organization raises concern about spread of mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus
An estimated 5.6 billion people live in areas across 119 countries at risk from the virus, which can cause high fever, joint pain and long-term disability, Diana Rojas Alvarez, a medical officer at the WHO, told reporters in Geneva.
"We are seeing history repeating itself," she said, drawing parallels to the 2004-2005 epidemic, which affected nearly half a million people, primarily in small island territories, before spreading around the world.
The current surge began in early 2025, with major outbreaks in the same Indian Ocean islands which were previously hit, including La Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius.
An estimated one-third of La Reunion's population has already been infected, Rojas Alvarez said. The virus is now spreading to countries such as Madagascar, Somalia and Kenya, and has shown epidemic transmission in Southeast Asia, including India.
Of particular concern is the increasing number of imported cases and recent local transmission within Europe.
There have been approximately 800 imported chikungunya cases in continental France since May 1, Rojas Alvarez said.
Twelve local transmission episodes have been detected in several southern French regions, meaning individuals were infected by local mosquitoes without having travelled to endemic areas. A case was also detected last week in Italy.
Chikungunya, for which there is no specific treatment and which is spread primarily by Aedes mosquito species, including the "tiger mosquito" which also transmits dengue, and Zika, can cause rapid and large outbreaks. As the mosquitoes bite in the daytime, prevention is key, through the use of insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing.
(Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin; Editing by David Holmes)
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Sinar Daily
16 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
When ‘chubby' turns costly: The high NCD risk behind childhood obesity
KUALA LUMPUR - "So cute!' This phrase still rings out at family gatherings, often directed at chubby, round-faced children with hearty appetites - signs of them being "healthy and happy'. For generations, a little extra weight on a child was seen as a sign of well-being. But health experts warn that this mindset is outdated and increasingly risky for a child's long-term health. Childhood obesity is far from harmless. It is a serious medical condition linked to long-term health complications, including noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), most commonly type 2 diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver and even some cancers. As long as society continues to view chubbiness as cute and harmless, children will continue to pay the price with their health. MALAYSIA'S NCD BURDEN According to Dr Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin, senior consultant paediatric endocrinologist at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) and UM Specialist Centre (UMSC), many global organisations have recognised obesity as a disease. Dr Muhammad Yazid, Professor of paediatrics at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, also said obesity is not just about size or body mass index (BMI) exceeding a certain level, but is dangerous due to its association with chronic NCDs, which can severely impact health and even be fatal. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), NCDs are caused by a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioural factors. The main types of NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes. NCDs disproportionately affect people in low- and middle-income countries, where nearly three-quarters of global NCD deaths (32 million) occur. According to a 2024 report, 'Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases in Malaysia: The Case for Investment' (jointly prepared by the Ministry of Health Malaysia [MOH], WHO and the UN Inter-Agency Task Force on NCDs), each year, NCDs in Malaysia cause 72 percent of all premature deaths. Economic analysis of data from 2021 has estimated that NCDs cause RM64.2 billion in economic losses per year, including RM12.4 billion in healthcare expenditure and disability payments, and RM 51.8 billion in productivity losses. The total social and economic losses due to NCDs is equivalent to 4.2 percent of the nation's gross domestic product. The 2024 report also highlighted another concern: Malaysia is experiencing the double burden of malnutrition and undernutrition, and overweight and obesity, causing diet-related NCDs. FATTY LIVER Dr Yazid said obese children are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes earlier than usual. "I've treated children as young as eight years old who had type 2 diabetes, which usually affects older adults. "These children (with diabetes) often also have cholesterol issues, putting them at risk of heart disease much earlier than other people. When we see people having a heart attack at age 40, we used to think they are too young to get it, but now people as young as 28 are having heart attacks due to severe obesity at a young age, plus cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes,' he said. More concerning, he added, is their research showing that even children can suffer from fatty liver disease. "If it begins too early, it can lead to fibrosis and cirrhosis, significantly raising the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma or liver cancer,' he explained. He added that excessive obesity increases the risk of other cancers, such as colon, breast and gynaecological cancers. "Obese children may also develop sleep apnoea, a condition where breathing (repeatedly) stops (and starts) while sleeping. This can cause the right side of the heart to enlarge or thicken, increase pressure in the lungs and potentially lead to death during sleep,' he said, adding children also risk developing bow legs due to the stress of supporting their excess weight. LIFELONG OBESITY RISK Childhood obesity is far from harmless. Photo for illustrative purposes only - Canva Childhood obesity is far from harmless. Photo for illustrative purposes only - Canva Childhood obesity is far from harmless. Photo for illustrative purposes only - Canva Childhood obesity is far from harmless. Photo for illustrative purposes only - Canva Childhood obesity is far from harmless. Photo for illustrative purposes only - Canva Childhood obesity is far from harmless. Photo for illustrative purposes only - Canva Childhood obesity is far from harmless. Photo for illustrative purposes only - Canva Childhood obesity is far from harmless. Photo for illustrative purposes only - Canva The 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) found that 29.8 percent of children aged five to 17 fall into the categories of overweight (15 percent) and obese (14.8 percent). On May 24, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni was quoted by the media as saying that, based on NHMS data, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children is continuing to rise. "For children under the age of five, the rate increased from 5.6 percent in 2019 to six percent in 2022. "For adolescents aged 13 to 17, the prevalence rose from 28.5 percent in 2017 to 30.5 percent in 2022, indicating that one in three children is experiencing overweight or obesity issues,' he said. Pointing to the rising number of overweight and obese children in Malaysia, Dr Yazid said if the issue is not controlled, they will add to the nation's overall obesity statistics in adulthood. "Statistics show that 70 to 80 percent of children aged six to eight who are overweight or obese will remain obese as adults. Out of 10 obese seven-year-olds, only three will achieve a normal weight in adulthood,' he said. Excess weight results from consuming more calories than needed, often due to unhealthy eating and lack of exercise and physical activity, he said, adding that sleeping late or insufficient sleep can also contribute to obesity as tired children tend to feel hungrier during the day. "When children lack sleep or have poor sleep quality, they eat more the next day due to fatigue. Like adults, they tend to choose sugary, high-calorie and fatty foods to regain energy. "Even if they know the food is unhealthy, their brain is already wired to crave such food,' he explained. SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE IMPACT While genetics plays a role, Dr Yazid noted that environment and habits matter more. He said studies show that if one parent is obese, the child's risk of obesity increases fivefold, and if both parents are obese, the risk goes up 13 times. "Only a very small number - less than two percent - of obesity cases are due to genetic syndromes. Most cases are due to the environment (they live in) as obese parents tend to eat more and exercise less, and their children follow suit. "In a study ('MyHeART') that we did, we assessed the fitness levels of teens aged 13, 15 and 17. Fewer than 10 percent were genuinely fit and less than 30 percent engaged in useful physical activities daily. "Our calorie intake far outweighs calorie burn due to our sedentary lifestyle. Food is easily accessible… just order and it's delivered to your door,' he said, adding that another study has shown that Malaysian teenagers are generally not physically active. He also pointed out a lack of awareness about the importance of Physical and Health Education (PJK) classes in schools. "PJK is often sidelined, seen as unimportant and frequently sacrificed for other academic activities. But that short session is the only chance some students have to exercise and sweat, which is vital for their health. "After school, many kids just spend time on their gadgets and (online) games, staying indoors instead of going to the park or playing football or cycling. When we talk about this issue, (parents) will raise concerns about safety, unpredictable weather and other things. "This is where local authorities and the government must play a role by providing safe and well-maintained recreational areas where local communities can exercise and participate in physical activities, thus fostering a healthier lifestyle,' he said. While the medical challenges of obesity are daunting, treatment options are available - though not without their own limitations. METFORMIN Rejecting claims that childhood obesity in Malaysia is only an urban issue caused by busy parents, financial status and access to food, Dr Yazid said the situation has changed. "In the United States, many obese persons come from low-income groups because healthy, nutritious and high-quality food is expensive. In contrast, in China, it's the wealthy who tend to be obese due to access to a wide variety of food. "In Malaysia today, those with money can afford to eat a lot, while those without money eat whatever is available, regardless of whether it's healthy, high in sugar, salt or otherwise,' he said. Regarding appropriate weight-loss medications for children, Dr Yazid said currently, no drug has been specifically approved for those under 12. He said metformin, a medicine to treat type 2 diabetes, has many side effects when given to children under 10, such as stomach ache, flatulence and discharge of oily stool. "We can't give school kids this medicine as they may have an 'accident' in school and be teased by their friends,' he said. Dr Yazid added that while metformin is "not popular for children under 12, we will consider it in certain cases'. "Metformin is used for type 2 diabetes and can be given to children aged 10 and above who show signs of insulin resistance or prediabetes. The aim is to reverse their health issues before they develop full-blown diabetes.' This medication is usually taken for up to a year for weight loss, but some patients may need to take it for more than a year to prevent extreme weight gain and their insulin resistance from worsening, he said, adding scientific data has shown that the use of metformin can reverse prediabetes in 50 to 70 percent of cases. LIRAGLUTIDE, BARIATRIC SURGERY Referring to a study conducted and co-authored by him together with several of the world's leading medical experts, titled "Liraglutide for Children 6 to Less Than 12 Years of Age with Obesity - A Randomised Trial' ( Dr Yazid said their research involved the use of liraglutide - an injectable medication suitable for obese children aged six to under 12, to help reduce their appetite. The study, published in 'The New England Journal of Medicine' in September 2024, found that treatment with liraglutide for 56 weeks, combined with lifestyle interventions, resulted in a significantly greater reduction in BMI compared to placebo combined with lifestyle interventions. "Liraglutide tends to be more effective in children and youth than adults, with fewer side effects compared to other medications. We only prescribe it after all other weight loss efforts fail,' he said, adding that liraglutide costs about RM1,900 per month, making it unaffordable for many families. As for bariatric surgery, he said it is seen as a last resort for extremely obese children at risk of developing NCDs. However, it is not recommended for children who have not reached puberty due to potential disruption to growth. "Currently, bariatric surgery is not performed on children unless under very specific conditions, usually in cases of extreme obesity where obesity-related diseases have started to develop. It can be done for adolescents who have stopped growing and entered adulthood,' he said. Bariatric surgery is performed to reduce the size of the stomach, making the patient feel full quickly even with small meals. However, it also reduces nutrient absorption, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies if not properly managed. "Post-surgery, patients must continue to consult doctors and dietitians to ensure they get the right supplements. For instance, a lack of vitamin D can lead to osteoporosis, while vitamin K deficiency can cause bleeding and bruising. In the US, (there was a case of ) a patient (who) became blind after undergoing bariatric surgery due to a lack of vitamin A,' he said. RAMPANT SALE OF JUNK FOOD Beyond hospitals and clinics, the everyday environments children are exposed to - especially at school - also play a critical role in shaping their eating habits and long-term health. Sharing their concerns over the increasingly rampant sale of sugary drinks, snacks and fast food, including outside school gates, several parents interviewed by Bernama described the situation as a "threat' to their children's health. Siti Balkis, 42, a government employee, said almost every day her children, particularly the two younger ones who are in primary school, would buy ice cream, snacks or 'jelly balls' (colourful jelly candies) after school as the street vendors are just a few steps away from the school gate. "Every time after school, they want to buy something. It's hard to stop them because the stuff is right there in front of them. Children are easily influenced, especially by the bright and attractive packaging. "Sometimes, we as parents don't even know what our children are eating because many different types of snacks are available in the market these days,' said the mother of four. Father of two Muhammad Saufi, 39, meanwhile, said the presence of vendors selling food high in sugar, salt and other additives outside school premises calls for stricter action from the authorities. "The types of food being sold also need to be monitored because most of them are unhealthy. Kids may love the taste of these snacks, but they can have serious health effects,' he said, suggesting that schools work together with Parent-Teacher Associations and local councils to more closely monitor the sale of food outside school gates and promote healthier alternatives at affordable prices. As Malaysia grapples with the long-term consequences of childhood obesity, experts stressed that treatment alone is not enough. Early prevention, public awareness and stronger enforcement of regulations are crucial to breaking the cycle before it burdens the nation further. From sugar-laden drinks sold outside school gates to inherited risks compounded by sedentary routines, this issue demands urgent, multi-pronged actions - not just to manage weight but to safeguard the future health and productivity of the nation's younger generation. Tomorrow: Behind every overweight child is a hidden struggle - not just with their health but with their confidence, emotions and sense of self. In Part Three, we uncover the silent mental toll of childhood obesity. - BERNAMA
The Star
19 hours ago
- The Star
Chikungunya might be about to break out worldwide
The A. aegypti mosquito can transmit both the dengue and chikungunya viruses. — Filepic The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on July 22 (2025) that a major chikungunya virus epidemic risks sweeping around the globe, calling for urgent action to prevent it. The United Nations health agency said it was picking up exactly the same early warning signs as in a major outbreak two decades ago and wants to prevent a repeat. Chikungunya is a mosquito- borne viral disease that causes fever and severe joint pain, which is often debilitating. In some cases, it can be deadly. 'Chikungunya is not a disease that is widely known, but it has been detected and transmitted in 119 countries globally, putting 5.6 billion people at risk,' said WHO infectious diseases epidemiologist Dr Diana Rojas Alvarez. She recalled how from 2004 to 2005, a major chikungunya epidemic swept across the Indian Ocean, hitting small island territories before spreading globally and affecting almost half a million people. 'Today, WHO is seeing the same pattern emerge; since the beginning of 2025, Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius have all reported major chikungunya outbreaks. 'One-third of the population of Reunion is estimated to have been infected already,' she said during a press briefing in Geneva, Switzerland. The symptoms of chikungunya are similar to those of dengue fever and Zika virus disease, making it difficult to diagnose, according to the WHO. Dr Rojas Alvarez said that like 20 years ago, the virus is now spreading to other places in the region, such as Madagascar, Somalia and Kenya. 'Epidemic transmission is also occurring in south Asia,' she added. In Europe, imported cases have also been reported, linked with the outbreak in the Indian Ocean islands. Local transmission has been reported in France and suspected cases detected in Italy. 'Because these patterns of transmission were seen in the outbreak from 2004 onwards, WHO is calling for urgent action to prevent history from repeating itself,' said Dr Rojas Alvarez. She noted that the case fatality (death) rate was less than 1%, 'but when you start counting millions of cases, that 1% can be thousands' of deaths. 'We are raising the alarm early so countries can prepare early, detect and strengthen all the capacities to avoid going through very large outbreaks.' Dr Rojas Alvarez explained that in regions where populations have little or no immunity, the virus can quickly cause significant epidemics, affecting up to three-quarters of the population. Chikungunya virus is transmitted to humans by the bites of infected female mosquitoes, most commonly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The latter, which is known as the tiger mosquito, is venturing farther north as the world warms because of human-driven climate change. They bite primarily during daylight hours, with peak activity often in the early morning and late afternoon. The WHO urged people to protect themselves through measures like using mosquito repellent and not leaving water to stagnate in containers such as buckets, where mosquitoes can breed. – AFP
Sinar Daily
2 days ago
- Sinar Daily
Too young, too heavy: Malaysia's rising childhood obesity crisis
KUALA LUMPUR - Like any other teenager, Muhammad Mikhael Qaiser Mohd Yuzaini longs to participate in sports and physical activities. But the 14-year-old tires easily, neither can he stand for extended periods or handle physically demanding tasks. The main reason: his weight. As of early March this year, he weighed in at 103 kilogrammes (kg), a figure considered obese for his height of 168 centimetres (cm). According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Malaysia has one of the highest childhood obesity rates in Southeast Asia. - Photo illustrated by Sinar Daily "I'm truly determined to lose weight this year because I want to live a healthier and more active life,' declared Muhammad Mikhael Qaiser, who is fondly known as Mikhael and is currently undergoing treatment to reduce his weight. Childhood obesity has become a global health crisis, with poor dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles, fuelled by screen time and lack of physical activity, contributing to this "epidemic'. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Malaysia has one of the highest childhood obesity rates in Southeast Asia. Childhood obesity in Malaysia has been on a steady rise over the past 15 years, with over 30 percent of children aged five to 17 classified as overweight or obese in 2022. (Under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and Malaysia's Child Act 2001, a child is defined as anyone under the age of 18.) Meanwhile, a study titled 'Prevalence of Childhood Overweight and Obesity in Malaysia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis' published in November 2024, found that the prevalence of childhood overweight, obesity and excess weight in Malaysia almost doubled over a 26-year period from 1996 to 2022. According to WHO, in 2022, 37 million children under the age of five were overweight; and over 390 million children and adolescents aged five to 19 years were overweight, including 160 million who were living with obesity. Overweight is a condition of excessive fat deposits in the body, while obesity is a chronic complex disease defined by excessive fat deposits that can impair health. Obesity can lead to increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It can also affect bone health and reproduction, and increase the risk of certain cancers. Obesity influences the quality of living, such as sleeping or moving. The diagnosis of overweight and obesity is made by measuring people's weight and height and by calculating the body mass index (BMI): weight (kg)/height² (m²). The body mass index is a surrogate marker of fatness and additional measurements, such as waist circumference, can help the diagnosis of obesity. The BMI categories for defining obesity vary by age and gender in infants, children and adolescents. STRUGGLES OF A TEENAGER In 2021, when Mikhael was 11 years old and weighed 70 kg, he was offered the opportunity to participate in a study conducted by paediatric specialists at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) to address his obesity issue. His parents were informed that as part of the study, Mikhael had a 50 percent chance of receiving either an actual weight loss medication or a placebo. Wanting to help their only child shed his excess weight, Mikhael's parents agreed to let him join the study. Over the course of the four-year programme, Mikhael received injection-based treatment. But by the time the programme ended, his weight did not decrease. Instead, it continued to rise, reaching 103 kg by early Ramadan (March) this year. (It was later confirmed that Mikhael had been placed in the placebo group, meaning he did not receive the actual medication throughout the study period. This explained why there was no significant change in his weight despite the structured programme). This concerned his parents, prompting them to refer Mikhael back to the Paediatric Obesity Clinic at UMMC, which has been operating since 2006, for further treatment in hopes that he could eventually reach a healthy weight of around 65 to 70 kg. Starting in April, Mikhael has been advised to take an oral medication, Metformin 500 mg, once daily, and after two weeks, two pills per day to help improve insulin efficiency. He is also required to meet with a doctor every three months for follow-up treatments. Meanwhile, his father Mohd Yuzaini Abu Bakar, 48, who resides with his family in Taman Medan in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, said Mikhael had been cute and chubby since infancy. He said Mikhael loved milk and could finish eight big bottles of formula milk per day until the age of three. Mohd Yuzaini, a medical laboratory technologist at UMMC, said he and his wife began consulting a paediatrician when their son was four years old due to concerns about his rapid weight gain. Since both parents work at UMMC, they were more exposed to health issues and found it easier to access medical support. On Mikhael's eating habits, Mohd Yuzaini said he loves to eat and is not picky about food. "Whether it's home-cooked or food bought outside, he's fine with it, even trendy or viral food and drinks. There was a time when, every time we went out, he insisted on getting a drink from a popular coffee chain, even though we knew it was high in sugar. As parents, sometimes we just couldn't say no to him,' he said. Mohd Yuzaini said on their way to work every morning, they would drop Mikhael off at the babysitter's house before he went to school. "At the babysitter's, he would usually buy nasi lemak or fried noodles from a nearby shop for breakfast… his favourite. "At school, during recess, he would eat nasi lemak or fried noodles again. After school, he would return to the babysitter's house and get ready to go to the religious school (tahfiz school) in the afternoon. His mother would usually pack lunch for him with extra portions, just in case he got hungry later. "At the tahfiz school, food is also provided, and it's common for people to donate meals there. After school ends at around 7 pm, we would all have dinner together,' he said, adding snacks like biscuits and chocolates as well as bread, fruits and instant noodles were readily available at home in case Mikhael got hungry at night. HIDDEN GENETIC RISKS Sharing that Mikhael's obesity is likely not solely due to his diet, Mohd Yuzaini said it may be influenced by genetic factors although no medical tests have been carried out to confirm this. "Many members of my family, including me, have obesity issues,' he said, adding his weight once peaked at 165 kg (his height is 176 cm). "In the past, I used to be active in rugby. When we're involved in sports, we eat and stay active, so we are able to keep our weight under control. But later on, I stopped playing rugby and focused on my job… I became physically less active and started to gain weight.' Mohd Yuzaini, who has six siblings and is the eldest, said his immediate younger sibling passed away due to heart disease caused by obesity. "Another two siblings are also obese, with one of them having had a leg amputated due to diabetes,' he said, adding that in 2007, he decided to undergo bariatric surgery after his doctor warned he would eventually develop diabetes, hypertension and heart disease if he did not undergo the procedure. Mohd Yuzaini experienced weight loss after the surgery and two years later, his weight dropped to 107 kg from 165 kg. "Since then, I've been maintaining my weight and if it increases, it's only slightly. Thankfully, my previous borderline blood pressure (readings) and sugar levels have stabilised,' he said. Commenting on the treatment Mikhael is currently receiving, Mohd Yuzaini said it combines the expertise of three clinics - paediatrics, sports medicine and dietetics - and is administered by the Paediatric Obesity Clinic at UMMC. Doctors at the sports medicine clinic gave several exercise recommendations for Mikhael, such as walking up and down the stairs for 30 minutes daily and using a portable pedal exerciser that can be used anytime and anywhere. Said his father: "We tried it (exercises) during the fasting month (this year) and, thankfully, after the festive season, we saw his weight drop by three kg. "We'll continue with the suggested approach, combining (intermittent) fasting with exercise… we're aiming for Mikhael's weight to drop to 90 kg by the end of this year.' FAMILY DIET CHANGES Mohd Yuzaini said he and his wife Zaliza Mat Som, 58, have also started controlling their son's diet. "We've implemented a kind of intermittent fasting for him… he skips breakfast as advised by the doctor and he is allowed to eat during break time at school. "For his lunch and dinner, we've reduced his portions - he is allowed just a fistful of rice (low glycemic index). We've also cut down on oily and fatty foods, while adding more vegetables and fruits (to his diet),' he added, stressing that dieting is important because Mikhael's current weight puts him at risk for prediabetes. Mohd Yuzaini also said that through changes in his family's eating patterns and by exercising regularly, even his wife has experienced weight loss. "We want to support Mikhael in achieving his ideal weight, so we too have to make changes towards a healthier lifestyle,' he said. Mohd Yuzaini, meanwhile, suggested that health programmes involving nutritionists, fitness trainers and counsellors be conducted more frequently in schools for students as well as their parents, so they are better informed on how to tackle obesity while also raising awareness about obesity-related diseases. "Parents should also be informed of their children's (physical) condition, especially when their schools conduct certain tests like the 'Ujian Standard Kecergasan Fizikal Kebangsaan Untuk Murid Sekolah Malaysia' (SEGAK), which can indirectly help prevent obesity among students,' he added. SEGAK is a mandatory physical fitness test conducted twice a year in all government schools in Malaysia, designed to measure students' physical fitness levels based on health indicators. PARENTS MUST LEAD While Mikhael's family is doing their part, experts say the real change must start at home - and with consistent parental support. Sharing his views, fitness coach Kevin Zahri, popularly known as 'Cikgu Fitness Malaysia', said parents must become role models for their children, not just in terms of behaviour but also lifestyle, personal health and nutrition, and should always practice the principles of 'lead by example' and 'walk the talk'. According to him, being overweight or obese at a young age not only affects physical health but can also impact a child's emotions, self-confidence and mental well-being. "A sedentary and inactive lifestyle is easily carried over into adulthood and difficult to change. Therefore, parents need to help children set boundaries for screen time and video games, and ensure that they are consistently involved in physical activities. "Physical activity or recreational time should not be treated as a 'special occasion' but rather made part of a child's daily routine to nurture their mental, emotional and physical development from an early age,' he said. Touching on his '30-Day Health Challenge' online programme, held monthly throughout the year, Kevin said the response has been very encouraging, with many families participating to support children who struggle with excess weight and obesity. "Many parents initially wanted to enrol only their overweight children in the programme, but I encouraged them to join as a family. This is to prevent the child from feeling ashamed, stressed or having low self-esteem. "It turned out that my approach not only makes the programme more enjoyable for the whole family but they also get to lead a healthier lifestyle. With the 'fit family' concept, it becomes more meaningful as they spend quality time together and support each other,' he said, adding parents should not rely solely on doctors or schools to look into their children's health. Kevin added that while supplements can be used, for example by athletes or to make up for certain nutrient deficiencies, they are not a substitute for real food because what is more important is making healthy food choices to maintain good health. "My daughter is a national tennis player, while my son goes for football training four times a week. They both take supplements, including multivitamins, to support their growth and cover any nutritional gap. "As parents, we must take responsibility in leading our own 'circle of influence', which is our family. Start small, like doing physical activities together every Saturday, such as walking, playing badminton or pickleball,' he said, adding that more information about his programme is available at In conclusion, Mikhael's experience underscores the complex web of factors that contribute to childhood obesity - from possible genetic predisposition and family lifestyle to eating habits and emotional influences. His journey also reflects the harsh reality faced by many Malaysian children whose health is silently shaped by daily routines, social norms and limited physical activity. His story is not unique but rather a wake-up call. If childhood obesity continues to be overlooked or normalised, the long-term consequences on health, well-being and national productivity could be severe. Early intervention, family support and stronger public awareness are crucial to change the narrative - one child, one household at a time. Tomorrow: From type 2 diabetes to fatty liver and sleep apnoea, part two explores the risks of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in children due to obesity, and highlights the importance of early treatment and public awareness. (This story was produced under the "Communicating Noncommunicable Diseases' Media Fellowship by Probe Media Foundation Inc [PMFI], Reporting ASEAN [RA] and World Health Organization [WHO]. The views and opinions expressed in this piece are not necessarily those of PMFI, RA and WHO.) - BERNAMA
