High costs push low-income families to unhealthy choices - KRI

Unhealthy food availability creates nutritional divide. Illustrative picture by 123RF

SHAH ALAM - The high cost of healthy foods is a major factor causing low-income families to opt for unhealthy options, exacerbating malnutrition in Malaysian society.

In a discussion paper titled "Unhealthy but not by Choice: Food Environment and Nutrition," Khazanah Research Institute (KRI) Associate Researcher Dr Teoh Ai Ni highlighted that unhealthy foods are cheaper and more readily available.

Teoh pointed out that even those who can afford healthier foods often choose unhealthy options due to time constraints and accessibility.

"Although the impact of an unhealthy food environment is widespread, it is not evenly felt, especially among the poor or low-income groups, children, teenagers, and busy individuals," she said.

Local studies have shown that most unhealthy food promotions on television and online video platforms target children.

However, teenagers also face similar risks due to persuasive digital marketing.

Teoh added that the increased availability and accessibility of unhealthy foods lead to poor dietary habits in society.

The prevalence of high-calorie foods and those high in fats, sugars, or salt is rising, and the rate of eating out also contributes to the difficulty of maintaining a healthy diet.

"Online food delivery platforms have made fast food and sugary drinks easily accessible, contributing to the constant availability of unhealthy food choices.

"At the same time, the cost of healthy eating is rising, making it increasingly unaffordable for poor or low-income individuals.

"Although fruits and vegetables are essential for a healthy diet, these food groups are now the largest cost components, making them unaffordable for many," she added.

Teoh emphasised the need to make healthy food choices more available, accessible, and appealing compared to unhealthy options.

"This includes strengthening nutrition-focused approaches and consumer education with food environment interventions to more effectively address malnutrition issues at all levels," she said.

She also suggested improving existing food environment policies, such as sugary drink taxes, healthier choice logos, and fast food advertising guidelines, to better address food choice inequalities.

"Lastly, expanding the scope of food environment policies to tackle new challenges arising from widespread digital food marketing, changes in the food retail sector, and increasing rates of eating out," Teoh added.