Unhealthy food selections strain Thai healthcare system and hinder economic progression
Rewritten Article:
The alarming eating habits of Thai citizens have raised red flags at the Department of Health Promotion (DHPS). They've pointed out an increased likelihood of Thais contracting non-communicable diseases (NCDs) due to their excessive consumption of sugar, fat, and sodium-rich foods.
Dr. Panuwat Panket, the Public Health Ministry's DHPS director-general, discussed the findings of a recent survey involving over 52,000 participants. He revealed that a significant portion of Thais exceed recommended daily limits for sugar, fat, and sodium.
Approximately 51% of respondents indulge in sweet treats like sugary beverages, iced milk tea, iced coffee, and fruit juices at least three times per week. Around 46% regularly opt for high-fat meals, including fried dishes, fast food, and stir-fries. Nearly 50% consume salty foods, such as som tam, yam, and larb, more than three times weekly.
These dietary habits, as Dr. Panket states, are linked to an increased risk of NCDs, including heart diseases, cancer, and diabetes.
Dr. Adisorn Vatthanasak, the DHS deputy director-general, highlighted a lack of nutritional understanding among Thais. Despite knowing the risks associated with too much sugar and fat, only 15% grasp the health risks related to high salt consumption. Moreover, almost 60% feel apprehensive about requesting less seasoning when dining out, even when aware that it might harm their health.
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin addressed the issue, stating that NCDs pose a significant challenge to both Thailand's health and economy. Over 33 million Thais are currently battling NCDs, resulting in 400,000 deaths and over 2 million new cases annually.
Somsak emphasized that the impact is not only on public health but also the economy, costing the nation over 1 trillion baht annually, or approximately 9.7% of its GDP. In the fiscal year 2024, the National Health Security Office allocated more than 52% of its 152.7 billion baht budget to cover NCD treatments alone.
He stressed that NCDs are largely preventable, yet they continue to place an unbearable strain on individuals, families, and the healthcare system. NCDs are primarily caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices like poor diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity, as well as long-term exposure to PM2.5 air pollution.
To combat this, Somsak urged people to adopt healthier eating habits, such as reducing the intake of processed foods high in salt, sugar, and fat, while increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables. He expressed concern over the excessive consumption of sugar, salt, and fat resulting in rampant obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions, particularly in urban areas like Bangkok.
In conclusion, the surge of NCDs in Thailand is primarily attributed to excessive sweet, salty, and fatty food consumption, coupled with a lack of nutritional knowledge. The associated health and economic challenges necessitate tougher regulations, increased public education, and widespread awareness campaigns to empower healthier dietary choices and alleviate the NCD burden for Thailand's future.
- In light of the health concerns, there is a need for increased emphasis on science-based health-and-wellness initiatives that promote fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and a reduction in the consumption of sugar, fat, and salt-rich foods in Thailand.
- With NCDs posing a significant threat to both public health and finance, it is crucial to implement stricter financial regulations to allocate more resources towards health promotion programs focusing on fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and health education, reducing the economic burden of NCDs in the future.
