Almost 35% Of Malaysian Children Are Overweight Or Obese

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Nearly 35% of Malaysian school-aged children are either overweight or obese, according to the World Obesity Atlas 2026

The report, released by the World Obesity Federation in conjunction with World Obesity Day on 4 March, estimates that more than 2.83 million Malaysian children aged 5 to 19 were overweight or obese in 2025.

This finding mirrors global trends, with the federation highlighting that childhood obesity is rising at an unprecedented rate.

It noted that the global prevalence of obesity among school-aged children has increased from 4% in 1975 to nearly 20% in 2022, with the fastest growth seen in low- and middle-income countries, where most of the world's children live.

"For the first time in history, more children globally will be living with obesity than with underweight," the federation said.

The group also warned that the increasing rate of childhood obesity could lead to serious long-term health risks

It outlined projections of obesity-related diseases among Malaysian children by 2040.

By 2040, an estimated 305,000 Malaysian children aged 5 to 19 may show early signs of hypertension, while 382,000 could develop signs of cardiovascular disease.

Meanwhile, about 882,000 children may develop metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, and 113,000 are expected to develop high blood glucose.

The federation warned that the world is likely to miss the 2025 target to halt the rise in childhood obesity

Most countries — including Malaysia — remain off track, even after the deadline was extended to 2030.

The atlas also projects sharp increases in childhood obesity across Southeast Asia between 2025 and 2040. The number of school-aged children living with obesity in the region could reach 40 million by 2040, while those with a high body mass index (BMI) could total 101 million.

Despite the growing problem, the report found that many countries still lack adequate policies for prevention, monitoring, screening, and management of childhood obesity.

"The increase in childhood obesity worldwide shows we have failed to take seriously a disease that affects one in five children," said World Obesity Federation chief executive Johanna Ralston.

"Governments urgently need to step up prevention and management efforts for children living with overweight and obesity, and ensure that they receive the care they need," she added.

Check out Malaysia's World Obesity Atlas report here.