FROM FOREST TO FAST FOOD: NUTRITION AND LIFESTYLE TRANSITIONS IN SABAH

Abstract

Indigenous communities in Sabah, Malaysia, are undergoing a rapid nutrition transition, shifting from traditional, nutrient-dense diets to modern, processed food consumption. This transition, driven by factors like urbanization, economic shifts, and environmental degradation, is profoundly affecting health outcomes. Data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) reveals that overall obesity rates in Malaysia increased from 17.7% (in 2015) to 19.7% (in 2019), with indigenous groups experiencing a disproportionate burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This paper synthesizes current research on dietary shifts, rising NCD prevalence, and socioeconomic determinants among Sabah's indigenous populations, focusing on the coexistence of undernutrition and rising obesity (the double burden of malnutrition). We argue that addressing these complex challenges requires urgent, culturally tailored public health interventions that promote traditional diets, enhance food security, and integrate indigenous knowledge with modern health strategies.