Body mass index (BMI) is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. BMI is an inexpensive and easy screening method for weight category—underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity.
BMI does not measure body fat directly, but BMI is moderately correlated with more direct measures of body fat. Furthermore, BMI appears to be as strongly correlated with various metabolic and disease outcome as are these more direct measures of body fatness.
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) conducted by the Ministry of Health Malaysia in 2019, the prevalence of underweight among Kids and Teenagers aged 17 years and below was 34.75%. The prevalence of normal weight was 19.70%, while the prevalence of overweight was 30.15%. The survey also found that the prevalence of obesity was 15.40%.
Comparing these figures to the previous NHMS conducted in 2010, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased, while the prevalence of underweight and normal has decreased. In 2010, the prevalence of underweight was 39.35%, while the prevalence of normal weight was 32.33%. The prevalence of overweight was 19.49% and the prevalence of obesity in 2010 was 8.83%.
It is worth noting that obesity has been on the rise in Malaysia, which is a concern as it is a risk factor for many chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The government has implemented various initiatives to tackle the issue, including promoting healthy eating and physical activity, as well as regulating the marketing and availability of unhealthy foods.
Note: BMI is not applicable for everyone (Eg: BMI of Athletes & Bodybuilders are usually higher due to their muscle mass)
