Goodbye Obesity: More Antibiotic-Treated Chicken, Higher Risk
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Let’s Say Good-Bye to Obesity: More the Chicken (Antibiotic-Treated) in Kitchen, More the Obesity Risk
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:
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Ramasamy Chidambaram
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Let’s Say Good-Bye to Obesity: More the Chicken (Antibiotic-Treated) in Kitchen, More the Obesity Risk
Year: 2018 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2018.25.1.14
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Malaysia is recognized for its diverse multi-ethnic culture, which is reflected in the nation’s culinary landscape. A significant aspect of this diversity is the popularity of chicken among Malaysians, attributed to its affordability, versatility, and acceptance across different religious practices. However, despite the rich variety of cuisine, unhealthy eating habits have emerged, particularly concerning the consumption of antibiotic-treated chicken and its potential health risks.
The Risks of Antibiotic-Treated Chicken
Recent studies have raised concerns about the consequences of consuming antibiotic-treated chicken, linking it to the spread of drug-resistant bacteria and childhood obesity. Reports indicate that more than 7% of Malaysian children under five are overweight, with the prevalence of obesity in children aged six to seventeen nearing 30%. Despite livestock industry claims that antibiotics are used for preventive health measures, about 80% of antibiotics are used to promote growth in food animals. This unnecessary usage increases the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). With projections indicating that antibiotic use in food animals could rise by 67% by 2030, the urgent need to address this public health threat has never been more critical.
Conclusion
To foster a healthier future for Malaysian children, it is essential to promote better dietary practices and encourage an active lifestyle. Parents, educators, and media outreach should play a role in raising awareness of the dangers posed by antibiotic-treated food. While there are plans for Malaysia to produce antibiotics-free chicken by 2020, the challenge remains to address the rising issues of obesity and antimicrobial resistance. Collectively, these efforts can lead to a healthier generation that can better navigate the complexities of modern dietary challenges.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What factors contribute to the popularity of chicken in Malaysia?
Chicken is favored in Malaysia for its versatility, low cost, and religious acceptance. It plays a central role in various cultural celebrations among Malays, Chinese, and Indian communities.
What health risks are associated with antibiotic-treated chicken?
Consuming antibiotic-treated chicken may contribute to drug-resistant pathogens and childhood obesity. Studies suggest that antibiotic exposure from food could exacerbate public health issues, especially in young children.
What are the statistics on childhood obesity in Malaysia?
Recent surveys indicate that over 7% of Malaysian children under five are overweight. Additionally, nearly 30% of children aged 6 to 17 are classified as overweight or obese, highlighting a growing concern.
Is Malaysia planning to produce antibiotics-free chicken?
Yes, Malaysia aims to produce antibiotics-free chicken by 2020. This initiative seeks to address concerns regarding antibiotic resistance and promote healthier food options for consumers.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Goodbye Obesity: More Antibiotic-Treated Chicken, Higher Risk”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotics are substances used to combat bacterial infections. In the context of the text, their use in livestock is of concern because they are often administered to promote growth and prevent disease. This widespread use contributes to antibiotic resistance, posing risks to human health and making it relevant to discussions of food safety and public health.
2) Animal:
The term 'animal' refers to livestock raised for food production, such as chickens. The text addresses the impact of antibiotic use in these animals on human health, particularly regarding the contribution of antibiotic-treated animals to the spread of drug-resistant pathogens and obesity, making this a critical area of concern.
3) Food:
Food encompasses the substances consumed by humans, including meat from animals. The text highlights the importance of food choices in health outcomes, particularly in relation to childhood obesity and the presence of antibiotics in animal-derived foods, stressing the need for awareness of food sources and their implications for health.
4) Diet:
Diet refers to the overall pattern of food and drink consumption by an individual or population. The text underscores the impact of diet on childhood obesity rates in Malaysia, emphasizing how the consumption of certain foods, particularly antibiotic-treated animal products, may contribute to unhealthy weight gain and associated health issues.
5) Meat:
Meat, particularly chicken, is a significant component of the Malaysian diet, favored for its versatility and cost. The text discusses the rising consumption of chicken and raises concerns about the potential health risks associated with antibiotic-laden meat, linking it to broader issues of obesity and antibiotic resistance.
6) Lover:
In this context, 'lover' pertains to individuals who have a strong preference for chicken, highlighting a cultural aspect of Malaysian cuisine. The text addresses the dietary habits of chicken lovers, pointing to a lack of awareness about the health implications of consuming antibiotic-treated chicken and advocating for improved dietary choices.
7) Study (Studying):
The term 'study' refers to research conducted to understand various health impacts, particularly regarding the consumption of antibiotic-treated food. The text references multiple studies to substantiate claims about obesity and antibiotic use, reinforcing the need for data-driven approaches to address public health challenges associated with dietary patterns.
8) Paracuraman:
Parasuraman is a surname linked to a cited author of a study referenced in the text. This study discusses the risks posed by antibiotics in relation to childhood obesity. The mention of academic contributions underscores the importance of scientific research in elucidating complexities of health issues within the context of food consumption.
9) Family:
Family represents the primary social unit influencing dietary choices and health behaviors. The text emphasizes the role of parents and guardians in promoting healthy eating among children, suggesting that family dynamics and education are crucial for fostering better dietary habits and combating obesity in future generations.
10) Indian:
Indian refers to one of Malaysia's major ethnic groups, with distinct culinary practices contributing to the nation's multifaceted food culture. The text highlights how various cuisines, including Indian, contribute to dietary diversity, but also to unhealthy eating habits, underscoring the need for awareness of food choices across cultural contexts.
11) Life:
Life in this context refers to the holistic experience of individuals, particularly children. The text discusses the risks associated with childhood obesity and antibiotic exposure, implying that lifestyle choices, including diet and physical activity, profoundly affect overall health and quality of life, emphasizing the importance of preventive health measures.
12) Worry (Worried, Worrying):
Worrying describes the concern expressed regarding rising childhood obesity rates and the implications of antibiotic use in food. The text presents data showing alarming trends in health, suggesting that public and individual action is necessary to address these issues, thereby emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
13) Water:
Water signifies another potential source of antibiotic exposure in humans, particularly if contaminated by runoff from agricultural practices. The text mentions food and water as conduits for antibiotic intake, underscoring the need for vigilance regarding all sources of consumption that might contribute to resistance and health issues.
14) Trade:
Trade here likely references the agricultural and food trade practices in Malaysia, encompassing how poultry and other livestock are produced and marketed. The text discusses efforts to transition towards antibiotic-free chicken, indicating an intersection between economic practices and public health initiatives within the food trade sector.
15) Post:
Post likely refers to the dissemination of knowledge, such as publications or articles discussing health issues. The text advocates for awareness and education regarding the risks associated with antibiotic use in food animals, signifying the importance of communication in addressing public health crises and influencing consumer behavior.
16) Drug:
Drug, particularly in this context, relates to pharmaceuticals used in the treatment of bacterial infections. The text raises concerns about the implications of antibiotic use in animal agriculture on human health, connecting the concept of drugs with public health issues, specifically regarding the danger of drug-resistant pathogens emerging from livestock.
17) Dish (Dis):
Dish refers to prepared food items served during meals. The text emphasizes the popularity of chicken dishes in festive and daily dining contexts in Malaysia, linking culinary habits to nutritional outcomes and urging consideration of how common food practices may contribute to broader health challenges like obesity.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Goodbye Obesity: More Antibiotic-Treated Chicken, Higher Risk’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Early childhood, Obesity, Healthy lifestyle, Low cost, Mass media, Weight gain, Antimicrobial Resistance, Childhood obesity, Obstructive sleep apnea, Unhealthy eating habits, Meat consumption, Eating habit, Drug-resistant pathogens, Active lifestyle, Antibiotic use, Antibiotic administration, Sleep apnea, National Health and Morbidity Survey, Chicken meat.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.
Animal food, Festival occasion.