Childhood obesity rate has increased from 8.8% last year to 9.5% this year
BANGKOK – The Ministry of Public Health has come up with plan to help overweight students lose weight as a way to reduce healthcare costs.
The Department of Health yesterday held a meeting over childhood obesity in Thailand, which, it said cost the government as much as 5.5 billion baht a year. Health officials are at present developing a program entitled ‘Smart Kids Coach’.
Childhood obesity rate has increased from 8.8% last year to 9.5% this year, with most overweight children found in urban areas. According to the Department, poor diet and lack of exercise lead to children developing obesity.
Under the program, teams of experts will be assembled. They would be sent to schools to help student maintain their healthy weight. The program is expected to achieve its target within 4-6 months.