Interaction of Bio-ecological Eating Habits among Young People in Malaysia

Introduction: Economic growth and urbanization have changed global dietary habits and caused nutrition transition globally. Malaysia is also undergoing a nutrition transition due to easy access to ready-made and processed food as well as the availability of fast food joints that pose a significant threat to the development of obesity and consequently chronic illness and other health problems among young people. This study is aimed at describing the interaction of the bio-ecological system that influences the change of eating habits among young people in Malaysia. Methodology: The study was conducted in Segamat District, Malaysia using ethnographic methods that include observation, document studies, Focus Group Discussions, and In-depth Interviews. Elicitation techniques, qualitative Geographical Information System were also employed to enrich the quality of the data. The key informants were young people in Segamat from the three ethnic groups, between the ages of 15 to 20 years old. Further data were obtained from parents - mainly mothers -and teachers. The data was analysed based on bio-ecological model developed which focus only on micro-system and meso-system. Result: Health Education Programs in Schools attempt to regulate healthy eating through policy and regulation. However the programs are poorly regulated and are not evaluated. Beyond the school environment, healthy eating messages are not reinforced in either the home or in foods available in the market, social settings or popular eating establishments. Conclusion: The study shows that in the absence of broader structural and ecological enabling environments, the healthy eating message is not sufficient to support healthy eating behaviours.