CTN News-Chiang Rai Times นำเสนอข่าว : Thailand ranks third worst in Asean in terms of child obesity

Thailand ranks third worst in Asean in terms of child obesity

A recent study shows that Thailand has the third-highest child obesity rate among ASEAN countries. About 84.1% of kids aged 6-14 regularly snack on salty foods.

The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) partnered with the Public Health Ministry, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), and health advocacy groups to address this issue. They hosted an event called “Don’t Let Children Become Obese” at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.

The event highlighted creative strategies to encourage healthier eating habits in children. It focused on reducing sugary, fatty, and salty foods while increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables in daily diets.

Yanee Ratborirak, acting director at ThaiHealth’s Office of Media System Promotion and Intellectual Health, mentioned that Thailand ranks behind Malaysia and Brunei regarding childhood obesity in ASEAN.

Data from 2023 shows obesity rates in Thai children at different age groups: 9.13% of kids under five, 13.4% of those aged 6-14, and 13.2% of teens aged 15-18. Key factors include poor diets and lack of exercise.

The study also revealed that kids aged 6-14 eat salty snacks, averaging 1.35 packs daily. For children aged 1-5, this figure is 76.5%, with an average of 1.23 packs daily.

The World Obesity Federation predicts that by 2030, half of the world’s children could be obese.

Yanee explained that the “Don’t Let Children Become Obese” initiative aims to shift attitudes toward better nutrition. It involves innovative media and prototypes and engages schools, communities, families, and student leaders.

Sa-nga Damapong, honorary advisor to the Nutrition Association of Thailand, praised the progress made over the past five years. He highlighted the importance of creative methods to help kids adopt healthier diets and exercise regularly. These efforts, he said, are key to ensuring children grow up healthy.

Read the original news content : Thailand Grappling With A Child Obesity Epidemic