03/03/2025

MONDAY | MAR 3, 2025

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Rise in eating disorders among teens and adults

Umno shortlists six for by-election TAIPING: Six candidates from the Tapah Umno division have been shortlisted for the Umno supreme council’s consideration to contest the upcoming Ayer Kuning state by-election. Perak Umno chairman Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the list includes the division deputy chief, vice-chief and treasurer, Wanita chief and youth chief, and Puteri chief. “Barisan Nasional is not waiting for any announcement from the Election Commission (EC) because, as per EC regulations, a by-election must be held within 60 days. “According to Clause 15.13.1 of the party constitution, the divisional Umno committee is responsible for proposing candidates but the final decision rests with the supreme council and party president.” During a divisional committee meeting on Friday, Saarani said he had been given the mandate to propose eight candidates from the division. He said two individuals had informed him of their decision to withdraw. He added that the selection criteria for candidates in the by-election align with those outlined by Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, namely being winnable, acceptable and likeable. “We have candidates who meet the criteria and I am confident that once we announce our candidate, he (or she) will receive full support. Our commitment remains that, out of the eight names submitted, only one will be chosen while the rest will rally behind the chosen candidate.” – Bernama Minister to defend PKR VP position KUALA LUMPUR: Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has announced that he will defend the positions of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice-president and Setiawangsa branch chief in the party election scheduled for May 24. Nik Nazmi, who is also natural resources and environmental sustainability minister, was speaking at the Setiawangsa PKR branch AGM on Saturday. He said the meeting unanimously decided to support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to retain his position as president and Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli as deputy president. “We need to ensure this competition takes place with full courtesy, a spirit of camaraderie and a focus on the big agenda of strengthening PKR as a future party that continues to be relevant in the people’s struggle.” On Friday, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari confirmed that he would defend the PKR vice-president position in the party election. – Bernama

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Condition often mistaken for lack of self-control but actually driven by biological, psychological and environmental factors

Shamsul Anuar Nasarah), our initiative to solve this problem is to use the new generation MyKad, which is more sophisticated and would enable the community to identify whether it is fake.” Shamsul Anuar was previously reported as saying the replacement of the new structured MyKad aims to ensure the cards issued by NRD in the future have high security features, are safe and are enhanced in line with the latest security technology developments. – Bernama play a significant role in reinforcing compulsive eating behaviours among Malaysians. “This is due to the fact that highly processed foods, particularly those rich in sugar and unhealthy fats, stimulate the brain’s reward system, making them difficult to resist and encouraging overeating.” He said nutrient deficiencies are another contributing factor. “Cravings for chocolate may indicate a magnesium deficiency while an iron deficiency could lead to cravings for red meat or even non-food items. “A lack of omega-three fatty acids could increase cravings for fatty foods while insufficient protein intake could lead to constant hunger and overeating. Diets low in fibre or protein could cause imbalanced blood sugar levels, heightening sugar cravings.” He warned that compulsive eating could adversely affect digestion and metabolism, leading to issues such as constipation, bloating and acid reflux, including more serious metabolic disorders such as type-two diabetes, obesity and insulin resistance. “Excessive calorie intake places undue stress on the pancreas and liver, leading to fat accumulation and hormonal imbalances.” The food industry plays a role in encouraging overeating as artificial flavours, excessive sugar and additives such as MSG enhance the taste of food and trigger cravings, he added. “Aggressive marketing, especially targeted at children, influences eating behaviour. Large portion sizes create a portion distortion effect as well, leading to increased calorie intake. “The placement of processed foods in supermarkets increases their accessibility and appeal.” To manage compulsive consumption, he advocated mindful eating practices. “Food education programmes are also crucial in raising awareness on balanced nutrition and the long-term impact of eating habits on health.” He emphasised that compulsive eating is often misunderstood as a lack of self-control but it is actually driven by a complex interplay of biological, psychological and environmental factors.

PETALING JAYA: Compulsive eating and binge eating disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent in Malaysia, impacting teenagers and adults. Psychiatrist and Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin medical lecturer Dr Tengku Mohd Saifuddin Tengku Kamarul Bahri said about 14% of Malaysian teenagers experience binge eating, with 15% of girls and 12% of boys affected. He said more than 50% of adults exhibit signs of eating disorders, although only a small percentage receive formal diagnosis. Unlike anorexia, which stems from a fear of gaining weight, compulsive eating involves consuming large amounts of food without control. He explained that individuals often use compulsive eating as a coping mechanism for emotional struggles or stress. “Compulsive eating is not simply

ghrelin is linked to addictive behaviour and anxiety, making it harder to break the cycle of compulsive eating.” He also said binge eating is another coping mechanism. Binge eating is the consumption of large quantities of food in a short period of time, typically as part of an eating disorder. “Binge eating is often a sign of deeper psychological distress. Addressing root emotional triggers is key to managing the condition,” he said, adding that stress and unhealthy eating habits often fuel the issue. Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Food Biochemistry and Biophysics lecturer Assoc Prof Mohamad Khairi Zainol said processed foods

a matter of willpower. It is closely linked to brain chemistry and emotional health,” Mohd Saifuddin told theSun . He said brain chemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin, play significant roles in compulsive eating behaviours. Dopamine influences cravings, decision-making and impulsivity while serotonin helps regulate mood and appetite. Another key factor in compulsive eating is ghrelin, often referred to as the hunger hormone, which signals the brain when the body needs food. When its levels are excessively high, individuals may feel hungry even when they do not require food. “Some studies suggest that

Mohamad Khairi warned that compulsive eating could adversely affect digestion and metabolism, leading to issues such as constipation, bloating and acid reflux. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

NRD to resolve 12,000 student documentation issues MARANG: The National Registration Department (NRD) aims to resolve 12,101 documentation issues involving mainstream school students by as early as June. recorded the highest number of 6,997, followed by Selangor at 1,833 and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur at 496. Village Adoption programme in Kampung Padang Tanjung here on Saturday.

(MyKad) and citizenship certificates. In a separate development, Badrul Hisham said NRD is committed to eradicating the issue of fake MyKads despite facing difficulties as the activities are carried out by syndicates. “We make arrests every day but the numbers are not large. Recently, we detained 16 Indonesian nationals for using fake MyKads that belonged to others. “As mentioned by Home Affairs Deputy Minister (Datuk Seri Dr

“If we can get it done, I think we will be able to resolve all documentation issues in mainstream schools by December.” Mekar Didik, which is also a collaboration with the Education Ministry, aims to address the issue of dropouts among eligible school students who do not have identification documents, such as birth certificates, identity cards

“A few months after it started, all states have held meetings with the district education offices and the state education department. In Sabah, we have met the education director and Insya-Allah , will receive the blessing to enter all schools in the near future.” He was speaking after completing a house repair project for the asnaf through the Madani NRD

Its director-general Badrul Hisham Alias said the efforts through the Mekar Didik initiative, which is an added value to the NRD Menyemai Kasih Rakyat Programme, is about 35% completed since its launch in November last year. “Of the total number of non-citizen students involved, Sabah