Nutrition and sports boost mental health among youths

Mental health challenges grip Malaysia’s youth, with one in four adolescents facing depression, per the 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey.

World Vision Malaysia’s Eat Right to Play Right (ERTPR) initiative tackles this crisis by combining nutrition education and sports in B40 communities.

This programme empowers children and parents, fostering healthier habits and emotional resilience for a brighter future.

Communities gain practical tools to combat mental health struggles through accessible, grassroots solutions.

Nutrition fuels mental health

ERTPR, run by World Vision Malaysia, addresses mental health through nutrition and physical activity.

Malnutrition stunts cognitive development and children in B40 areas, often reliant on processed foods, face heightened mental health risks due to nutrient-poor diets.

Moreover, the programme teaches kids and parents about balanced meals and the food pyramid.

These skills help families make healthier choices despite rising food costs, breaking cycles of poor mental health.

Additionally, ERTPR’s impact shows in two years of success.

Participating children have shown improvements in nutritional status, enhances confidence and better diets directly support mental health, easing academic and social pressures.

Furthermore, this long-tail “mental health nutrition programme” aligns with Malaysia’s need for holistic solutions.

By targeting underprivileged communities, ERTPR bridges gaps in mental health care, offering hope and practical change.

Sports and community strengthen mental health

ERTPR integrates sports, like badminton, to boost mental health.

Physical activity reduces stress and fosters peer connections, vital for children facing academic and social challenges.

Additionally, bi-monthly community kitchen sessions empower mothers.

These workshops reshape home food environments, ensuring kids access nutrient-rich meals that support mental health.

Moreover, ERTPR’s grassroots approach involves entire communities.

“Initiatives like ERTPR underscore tackling mental health holistically,” the release states.

By engaging parents and kids, the programme builds lasting resilience, especially in low-income areas.

Learn more about ERTPR at World Vision Malaysia’s website.

Glory Nancy Viapude is the Programmes Quality & Development Lead for World Vision Malaysia