One of the current research activities conducted in this research interest group using the Newton Fund Impact Scheme (NFIS) 2020-2021 is to extend the reach and sustainability of the ToyBox Malaysia, kindergarten-based, intervention to prevent obesity. As a background, the ToyBox Study intervention was first developed in Europe with the aim of preventing obesity and improving health behaviours in young children. It adopts a multifactorial evidence-based approach to promote the recognition and consumption of healthy food and active play.

 

This study specifically targets kindergartens funded by Jabatan Kemajuan Masyarakat (KEMAS), the Community Development Department under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development.  In keeping with the objectives of the original Toybox intervention, the ToyBox Study Malaysia targets four key energy balance-related behaviours: 1) drinking water; 2) eating healthy snacks and meals; 3) reducing sedentary behaviour, and 4) Increasing physical activity.  Team members in this project consists of researchers with a wide-range of expertise, from public health nutrition, education, community health, epidemiology, intervention trials and psychology, representing two UK universities and two Malaysian universities from Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak. The project also aims to develop innovative online interactive and animated learning modules and web-based applications to promote healthy behaviours that reduce the risk of obesity.