With health problems like obesity and diabetes on the rise due to changing diets in emerging economies, Malaysia is forging new linkages between domestic and international scientists and institutions in hopes of mitigating the problem.
It will also team with world experts to further secure its domestic food supply from anticipated shocks due to climate change and global supply chain disruptions.
Food security and nutrition research are among the main topics under discussion by Malaysia's Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council (GSIAC) a unique assembly of all-star international and Malaysian experts and leaders created to support sustainable development for Malaysia chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Statistics presented show the percentage of calories Malaysians derive from cereals, starchy roots, fruits and vegetables has dropped from roughly 60% in 1960 to just under 50%, the dietary difference being made up by more meat, fish, eggs, milk, sweeteners, oils and fat. Meanwhile, the availability of sugar and sweeteners in Malaysia was almost 50 kg per capita in 2007, second only to the USA at 67 kg.
And the health impacts are significant. Compared with a population snapshot in 1986, almost twice as many Malaysians are now considered overweight (29.4%) and obesity has almost quadrupled (to 15.1%). The percentage of Malaysians with high blood pressure has more than doubled to roughly one in three while Type 2 diabetes patients have more than tripled to 22%.
At the meeting, Malaysia's health ministry formalized a partnership agreement with the international Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science, providing the country's health officials and scientists with access to extensive new global resources.
In December, Malaysia will participate in the launch of the Sackler Institute / World Health Organization's collaborative "Global Research Agenda for Nutrition Science" i
'/>"/>
| Contact: Terry Collins
tc@tca.tc 416-538-8712 Mansurah Raisa
Diana Friedman
Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. Reducing radiation: Heart Institute model shows hope for new standards worldwide
2. Mass extinction study provides lessons for modern world
3. Small marine organisms big changes could affect world climate
4. Small organisms could dramatically impact worlds climate
5. Traditional fisheries management approach jeopardizes marine ecosystems worldwide
6. Feinstein Institute receives $1 million grant to study impact of World Trade Center attacks on responders
7. National Heart Centre Singapore develops worlds first human heart cell model
8. In an uncertain world, Navy needs science and technology collaboration, chief says
9. Pitt biologist receives $2 million to study genetic diversity of plants worldwide
10. Press invitation to attend worlds largest entomology meeting
11. Madidi conservationist wins award at World Conservation Congress
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |