Nutritionists are at the frontline of a healthier Malaysia

11 January 2023

The National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019 revealed that 1 in 5 adults has diabetes, 3 in 10 individuals have hypertension, and 4 in 10 have raised total cholesterol level. In addition, 1 in 4 adults is not physically active while 95% of Malaysians do not consume the recommended daily serving of fruits and vegetables.

Since then, the Movement Control Order which was implemented to control the spread of COVID-19 was found to be among the factors that increased the prevalence of obesity among young Malaysian adults, according to a study that was published in an international health journal in 2022.

In light of such concerning numbers, nutritionists are much needed to help lead a healthier Malaysia.

Dietary management of health conditions

While doctors treat patients through surgery and medication, nutritionists play a different but an equally important role by evaluating patients’ health needs and advising them on suitable dietary lifestyles to manage their health conditions.

Diabetes is one example of a lifelong condition that requires constant attention. Combined with regular exercise, a well-planned diet curated by a nutritionist can help diabetic patients maintain targeted blood glucose levels recommended by the doctor.

However, with up to 7 million Malaysian adults expected to have diabetes or pre-diabetes by 2025, attention should not be given only upon diagnosis. Nutritionists are among the professionals who must step up to enhance diabetes awareness and prevention.

Setting nutritional standards

Besides the medical field, nutritionists may also find themselves in the food and beverage industry (F&B). It is becoming increasingly common for renowned restaurants, hotels, convention centres and fitness chains to seek the help of nutritionists when developing new menus for their clientele. Their expertise is needed in advising on the four principles of nutritional quality, balance, variety and calorie control.

Nutritionists can also be involved in food safety training, which includes personal cleanliness, sanitation, and proper food preparation and storage. Their contribution to F&B standards ensures restaurants not only prepare food that is safe for consumption but healthy for the body.

Setting national health principles and practices

Nutritionists will also see their services required in setting legal health principles and national practices. The Malaysian Dietary Guidelines 2020 is one such example of frameworks developed with the advice of nutritionists.

Besides that, they can work with organisations in providing advice on nutrition labelling, product claims and advertising. Nutritionists were instrumental in creating existing nutrition initiatives such as the Healthier Choice Logo. The initiative allows consumers to make informed food choices with the help of comprehensive nutritional facts labels on the food packaging. Overall, Malaysians are made more aware of what they are eating and this could create a positive change in the community's behaviour towards healthy eating.

Another initiative that is unlikely to take place without the help of nutritionists is the proposed implementation of a food calorie labelling pilot project in restaurants and cafeterias in early 2023, undertaken by the Ministry of Health’s Nutrition Division. Through the project, food served in school cafeterias is used as a teaching tool to give students early exposure to the importance of choosing more nutritious alternatives on a daily basis.

If you want to take up the important role of a nutritionist, Monash University Malaysia’s Bachelor of Human Nutrition is where you can start your journey. The well-rounded course draws on various specialised areas within human nutrition, offering a deeper insight into nutritional and biomedical science as well as practical skills in disease prevention through nutrition intervention activities and programs.

You will be prepared to work as a qualified nutritionist who is able to inform the public and advocate for balanced diets and general health and wellness.

Click here to learn more about Monash’s courses and take the first step into the world of human nutrition.