Latest news with #NHMS2024
The Star
25-04-2025
- Health
- The Star
Price to pay for late-night eating
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is renowned for its delectable cuisine, but this culinary abundance is leading many to habitually indulge in heavy late-night meals, a trend that is becoming increasingly concerning. A significant portion of Malaysians, including 41.8% of adolescents and 33.5% of adults, consume heavy suppers at least once a week, according to findings from a Health Ministry survey. The latest findings highlighted the growing trend as a significant health concern, with Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad calling on Malaysians to rethink their nocturnal noshing habits. 'We don't eat a little at a time, but rather we keep eating little by little (Kita bukan makan sikit-sikit, tapi sikit-sikit makan),' he said when met after launching the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2024 Nutrition report at the ministry here yesterday. Dzulkefly called on Malaysians to reduce their intake of supper or to eat in moderation, as this activity can have negative effects on health. 'Late-night heavy meals contribute significantly to health problems such as obesity and metabolic disorders. CLICK TO ENLARGE 'Before bed, avoid heavy meals late at night. It's not that you can't eat, but always in moderation.' According to NHMS 2024, late-night eating can negatively impact sleep quality, cause digestive issues and increase the risk of heart diseases. Additionally, Dzulkefly stated that the comprehensive survey also assessed nutritional patterns and situations, revealing that excessive intake of sugar and salt remains a prevalent issue. He said 63.1% of adolescents and 47% of adults exceed the recommended sugar intake, with nearly half of this consumption coming from sugary beverages. Furthermore, 75.9% of adults consume more than 2,000mg of salt daily, which is over 1.5 teaspoons and exceeds health guidelines. 'Although there is a slight decrease compared to 78.6% in 2018 and 79.0% in 2012, this trend remains worrying. 'These habits may seem small, but they carry huge consequences. 'They are partly the reasons causing obesity, diabetes and hypertension, all from what we eat. 'They underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to reduce unhealthy eating habits among Malaysians, particularly the youth.' The NHMS 2024 also highlighted the alarming deficiencies in essential micronutrients. Dzulkefly said a significant portion of the population lacked sufficient iodine intake, with 45.7% falling below the World Health Organisation's recommended levels. Additionally, deficiencies in vitamins A and C are known to be widespread, affecting both adolescents and adults, mainly due to inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables. The survey found that only 12.8% of adolescents and 17.1% of adults meet the WHO's recommended fruit intake, while a mere 5.2% of adolescents and 12.2% of adults consume the suggested amount of vegetables. In response to these findings, Dzulkefly said the ministry has launched a series of initiatives aimed at improving national dietary habits. 'These include launching the War on Sugar Campaign for all 222 parliament constituencies by 2027, reducing sugar content in sachets from 5g to 3g and implementing a sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax. 'The ministry is also intensifying its War on Salt Campaign, focusing on consumer education and clearer nutritional labelling.' Dzulkefly noted that the government is also collaborating with local food operators and chefs to promote recipes that are low in sugar and salt. 'Symbolic measures, such as stopping the serving of late-night heavy meals at official functions, are also being considered to set an example.' Stressing that NHMS is not merely a report but a call for urgent action, Dzulkefly called on Malaysians to 'start small' and 'not wait'. 'Let us all take advantage of the free health and nutrition screenings available at public health facilities. 'Early intervention is crucial for preventing serious health complications. 'Let's aim to foster a healthier lifestyle culture across the nation,' he said.
Malay Mail
24-04-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Midnight munchies worrying Health Ministry as 42pc of adolescents, 34pc of adults overindulging
PUTRAJAYA, April 24 — The trend of consuming heavy meals late at night has raised health concerns, according to the 'National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2024: Nutrition', released today. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said one of the key findings revealed that 41.8 per cent of adolescents and 33.5 per cent of adults consume heavy supper late at night at least once a week. In light of the finding, he urged the public to reduce eating heavy meals late at night or consume them in moderation, as the habit negatively affects health. 'Reduce heavy suppers before going to bed, not that we can't have them, but always in moderation,' he told reporters after launching the NHMS 2024: Nutrition, here today. According to NHMS 2024, late-night eating can negatively affect sleep quality, cause digestive issues, and increase the risk of heart disease. NHMS 2024: Nutrition is a nationwide population-based survey on nutrition conducted periodically by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to assess dietary patterns and the nutritional status of Malaysians across various age groups. A total of 5,147 respondents participated in the survey conducted from July to September 2024. Meanwhile, Dzulkefly said another key finding is that 63.1 per cent of adolescents and 47.0 per cent of adults consume sugar in excess of recommended dietary levels, with nearly half of that sugar intake coming from sugary beverages. As for salt, 75.9 per cent of the adult population consumes more than 2,000 milligrammes of salt daily, which is equivalent to more than 1½ teaspoons. 'Everyone is encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle, active living, good diet, and good cooking, because good diets start with good cooking.' 'Go for free nutritional and health screenings, including at the MOH's Wellness Hubs,' he added. — Bernama
The Star
24-04-2025
- Health
- The Star
Malaysians' late-night heavy meal habit alarming, says Dr Dzul
PUTRAJAYA: The trend of consuming heavy meals late at night has raised health concerns, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2024: Nutrition, released on Thursday (April 24). Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said one of the key findings revealed that 41.8% of adolescents and 33.5% of adults consume sizable suppers late at night at least once a week. In light of the finding, he urged the public to reduce eating heavy meals late at night or consume them in moderation, as the habit negatively affects health. "Reduce heavy suppers before going to bed, not that we can't have them, but always in moderation," he told reporters after launching the NHMS 2024: Nutrition, here. According to NHMS 2024, late-night eating can negatively affect sleep quality, cause digestive issues, and increase the risk of heart disease. NHMS 2024: Nutrition is a nationwide population-based survey on nutrition conducted periodically by the Healthy Ministry to assess dietary patterns and the nutritional status of Malaysians across various age groups. A total of 5,147 respondents participated in the survey conducted from July to September 2024. Meanwhile, Dzulkefly said another key finding is that 63.1% of adolescents and 47% of adults consume sugar exceeding recommended dietary levels, with nearly half the intake coming from sugary beverages. As for salt, 75.9% of the adult population consumes more than 2,000mg of salt daily, which is equivalent to more than 1½ teaspoons. "Everyone is encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle, active living, good diet, and good cooking, because good diets start with good cooking." "Go for free nutritional and health screenings, including at the ministry's Wellness Hubs," he added. - Bernama
Barnama
24-04-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Late-night Heavy Meal Habit Among Malaysians Raises Health Alarms
GENERAL PUTRAJAYA, April 24 (Bernama) -- The trend of consuming heavy meals late at night has raised health concerns, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2024: Nutrition, released today. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said one of the key findings revealed that 41.8 per cent of adolescents and 33.5 per cent of adults consume heavy supper late at night at least once a week. In light of the finding, he urged the public to reduce eating heavy meals late at night or consume them in moderation, as the habit negatively affects health. 'Reduce heavy suppers before going to bed, not that we can't have them, but always in moderation,' he told reporters after launching the NHMS 2024: Nutrition, here today. According to NHMS 2024, late-night eating can negatively affect sleep quality, cause digestive issues, and increase the risk of heart disease. NHMS 2024: Nutrition is a nationwide population-based survey on nutrition conducted periodically by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to assess dietary patterns and the nutritional status of Malaysians across various age groups. A total of 5,147 respondents participated in the survey conducted from July to September 2024. Meanwhile, Dzulkefly said another key finding is that 63.1 per cent of adolescents and 47.0 per cent of adults consume sugar in excess of recommended dietary levels, with nearly half of that sugar intake coming from sugary beverages. As for salt, 75.9 per cent of the adult population consumes more than 2,000 mg of salt daily, which is equivalent to more than 1½ teaspoons.
