Towards Establishing an Islamic Diet & Nutritious Framework through Virtual Reality Technology: Avatars Against Children Obesity

  • Maziah Ahmad Marzuki, Zakiah Samori,Lam Meng Cun, Hanifah Musa Fathullah Harun

Abstract

The statistics of childhood obesity is showing an alarming increase every year despite of the
introduction and implementation of various health programs in preschool education. Alongside with
the implementation of the health programs, various general Islamic guidelines related to social
development including intellectual, moral, and psychology aspects are often conveyed to the society.
However, the societal awareness to practice the guidelines is still minimal due to the inefficiency
transmission of the information. Therefore, this study is aiming to identify childhood obesity scenario
by looking at specific factors leading to obesity and the efforts taken by the government to address this
concern. In addition, this study will also analyze the existing Islamic guidelines in the aspects of
individual dietary, physical activities and lifestyle. This study is focusing on effective approach through
Virtual Reality (VR) in developing a comprehensive Islamic guideline in line with the Industrial
Revolution 4.0 to prevent childhood obesity. The significance of VR method as an effective mechanism
to prevent childhood obesity will also be analyzed through this study. This study is employing both
qualitative and quantitative methods. Literature analysis is set to be conducted through library research
meanwhile content analysis will be conducted by evaluating, reviewing, and synthesizing available
sources. Additionally some data and feedbacks related to the concern of this study will be obtained
through interviews with relevant authorities including Ministry of Education (MOE), Ministry of Health
(MOH), and Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). Expert review will specifically be
referred from Nutrition Specialists, and IT and Technology Development Specialists from the Ministry
of Science and Technology (MOSTI). The views of religious experts and Mufti will also be considered
in developing an Islamic-based guideline on children’s health behaviors and healthy lifestyle. The
preliminary result of this study identified that an Islamic guideline specifically to control and prevent
childhood obesity in Malaysia through an attractive mean of Virtual Reality (VR) should be developed.
The preliminary study has also proven that the implementation of VR approach in developing the
guideline is capable to disseminate related information on obesity prevention effectively as well as to
attract, promote and increase the environmental and social sustainability.

Published
2020-05-20
How to Cite
Maziah Ahmad Marzuki, Zakiah Samori,Lam Meng Cun, Hanifah Musa Fathullah Harun. (2020). Towards Establishing an Islamic Diet & Nutritious Framework through Virtual Reality Technology: Avatars Against Children Obesity. International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology, 29(7), 3012-3018. Retrieved from http://sersc.org/journals/index.php/IJAST/article/view/18215
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Articles