A media report has revealed that the school report cards of Malaysian students will include their Body Mass Index (BMI) along with their academic performance. The government has taken this step to fight obesity which is constantly increasing among the kids. The figures of Health Ministry reveal that about a quarter of Malaysian children are overweight and more than 10% are obese. The new step of the government also includes a ban on junk food and sugar-laden soft drinks to be sold in the school cafeterias.

The grades of the students related to their BMI will help the students in improving their dietary habits. With the help of the new grade system the parent of these school children will become aware of the actual weight and height of their kids. In case the kids are obese or overweight the school authorities have advised the parents to visit their nearest clinic for a professional help.

Health Minister of Malaysia, Liow Tiong Lai said that the country is ranked at sixth position among the Asian countries and first in Southeast Asia for a high proportion of obese citizens. The new measures are likely to help reducing obesity and related health complications.