How to get kids to make healthy food choices

Photo: AFP Relaxnews

FINDINGS from the National Health Morbidity Survey showed that the prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity in Malaysia has increased exponentially over the last decade, from 5.4% in 2006 to 14.8% in 2019. The growing prevalence of obesity is significantly influenced by unhealthy eating behaviour, which may impact chronic noncommunicable diseases.

Behavioural scientists have identified various psychological biases that can explain anomalous behaviour regarding food choice. It can be the price, the taste, the portion, or how it appears or displays on the plate. Unfortunately, these foods tend to be less healthy.