Malaysians Told To Eat Less Meat To Stave Off Chronic Diseases

In Malaysia, people are being advised to reduce their meat consumption to lower the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and chronic kidney disease. Dr. Shashikala Sviapathy, a nutrition and wellness lecturer at the University College Sedaya International, highlighted a correlation between meat-filled diets and non-contagious diseases in Malaysian people. The country's diet, which includes high-fat ingredients like coconut milk and animal fat, combined with sedentary lifestyles, puts individuals at higher risk for obesity and related illnesses.

To improve future health outcomes, Sivapathy recommends replacing processed meats with whole foods and fresh produce, especially for younger individuals. The Malaysian Society of Nephrology also supports this advice, linking lower red meat intake to better kidney health. Despite a preference for meat over plant-based proteins in Malaysia, research has shown that excessive meat consumption can increase the risk of developing cancer, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Global health data suggests that adopting a diet with less animal protein could help reduce the rising rates of cancer and heart disease in the country.