More than one in five schoolchildren in Sri Lanka are affected by malnutrition, according to Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe, who warned that poor nutrition during childhood could contribute to rising obesity rates later in life.
Speaking at a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau to mark National Nutrition Month, Dr. Jasinghe highlighted growing concerns over the country’s nutritional challenges affecting both children and adults.
Referring to recent survey findings on children below and above the age of five, he said stunting levels currently stand at 10.1 percent, while underweight prevalence has reached 16.1 percent.
He added that overweight prevalence among children remains comparatively low at 0.5 percent.
“These figures indicate that nearly one-fifth of our children are affected by malnutrition,” Dr. Jasinghe said.
He further explained that children who experience malnutrition early in life often face an increased risk of becoming overweight or obese during adolescence and adulthood.
The Health Secretary also raised concerns over rising obesity rates among adults, noting that obesity currently affects around 47 percent of women and 30 percent of men.
According to Dr. Jasinghe, changing lifestyles, unhealthy dietary patterns, and nutritional imbalances continue to create long-term public health challenges.
Health authorities say improving childhood nutrition remains a priority as Sri Lanka seeks to address both undernutrition and the growing burden of obesity-related diseases.
