Rapid increase in diseases related to unhealthy lifestyle and diet

In recent years, diseases related to unhealthy lifestyles and diets have been increasing alarmingly in many countries, especially in urban areas.

In recent years, diseases related to unhealthy lifestyles and diets have been increasing alarmingly in many countries, especially in urban areas.

Diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer are becoming major public health concerns, not only affecting the quality of life of patients but also placing a heavy burden on the health system and the economy.

Diseases related to unhealthy lifestyles and diets are increasing alarmingly in many countries, especially in urban areas. Illustration photo

Modern lifestyle, with its fast pace and lack of physical activity, is one of the main causes of the increase in these diseases.

Many people spend most of their day working in an office, with little movement and spending time on low-energy activities. Prolonged sitting and little movement reduce metabolism, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity and metabolic disorders.

In addition, the increase in the use of personal transport, instead of walking or cycling, is also a worrying factor. Lack of physical activity reduces the functioning of organs in the body, leading to many chronic diseases.

Poor nutrition is a major contributor to the rise in lifestyle-related diseases. An unbalanced diet, high in processed foods, sugar, saturated fat and salt, is a major cause of heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

Fast food, snacks and sugary drinks have become familiar dishes in many people's daily meals.

In addition, the trend of eating on a "diet" or eating uncontrolled, lacking fiber, vitamins and essential minerals is also a factor that increases the risk of disease.

Unscientific eating habits cause the body to lack nutrients and create chronic inflammation, increasing the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Obesity is one of the most worrying health problems today, with obesity rates in many countries increasing rapidly.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity not only affects appearance but is also a high risk factor for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer, and bone and joint diseases. A high-energy diet combined with a sedentary lifestyle is the main cause of the increase in obesity.

At the opening ceremony of the Specialized Nutrition Consultation Service organized by the National Institute of Nutrition (Ministry of Health) on December 12, Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Thanh Duong, Director of the Institute of Nutrition, said that Vietnam has witnessed an alarming increase in lifestyle-related diseases and nutrition-related health challenges.

“Diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, dyslipidemia, overweight, obesity, malnutrition and cancer are currently affecting millions of Vietnamese people from children to the elderly,” Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Thanh Duong cited.

According to the results of the 2021 Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors Survey (STEPS) report on adults aged 18-69, compared to 2015, the rate of hypertension increased from 18.9% to 26.2%; the rate of fasting hyperglycemia increased from 4.1% to 7.1%; the rate of people with total blood cholesterol ≥ 5.0 mmol/L increased from 30.2% to 44.1%; the rate of overweight/obesity (BMI ≥ 25) increased rapidly from 15.6% in 2015 to 19.5% in 2021.

Along with that, Vietnam is a country with a high rate of people with bone and joint diseases, which has been increasing in recent years and is getting younger.

According to a study published in 2024 by the Institute of Nutrition conducted on 333 clients aged 20 to 50 who measured osteoporosis (DXA) at an adult nutrition consultation clinic. The results showed that the rate of osteoporosis was 4.6% in men and 7.7% in women (measured DXA at the lumbar spine); the rate of osteoporosis was 5.7% in men and 6.9% in women (measured DXA at the femoral neck).

Regarding the cause of this condition, according to Dr. Tran Chau Quyen, Head of the Department of Adult Nutrition Consultation (Nutrition Institute), it is partly due to a lack of diverse foods in the diet, limited physical activity, and lack of calcium in the diet. In particular, in our country, there is a serious problem of zinc deficiency, with up to 60% of women of childbearing age lacking zinc.

Faced with that reality, the Institute of Nutrition has decided to deploy 8 specialized nutritional consultation services for 6 diseases: Diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, overweight/obesity, dyslipidemia, malnutrition and 2 groups of subjects: pregnant women and the elderly.

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Thanh Duong, the Institute's consulting fields will aim to provide appropriate solutions to meet the specific needs of each individual.

The goal of specialized nutrition services is not only to reduce the burden of disease, but also to provide people with the knowledge to make healthy food choices, plan their own diets wisely, and improve their quality of life.

To reduce lifestyle and nutrition related diseases, some health improvement measures need to be taken in a timely manner.

First, it is important to maintain a balanced diet with adequate nutrients from vegetables, fruits, proteins and nuts. At the same time, limit the consumption of processed foods, fast foods and sugary drinks.

In addition, increasing physical activity also plays an important role in maintaining health. Experts recommend that everyone should spend at least 30 minutes a day on physical activities such as walking, jogging, swimming or participating in other sports. Exercise not only helps to lose weight, but also improves cardiovascular health, strengthens the immune system and improves mental health.

In addition to individual lifestyle changes, public education about health issues, proper nutrition and healthy living habits also plays an important role in reducing the rise of chronic diseases.

Governments and health organizations need to step up campaigns to promote the benefits of healthy eating, regular exercise, and health care to raise public awareness.

The rise in diseases related to unhealthy lifestyles and nutrition is a serious problem facing many countries. However, with positive changes in diet and lifestyle habits, communities can reduce the impact of these diseases.

Taking preventive measures, improving nutrition and physical activity will not only improve individual health but also contribute to protecting public health and reducing the burden on the health system.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/tang-nhanh-cac-benh-lien-quan-den-loi-song-va-che-do-dinh-duong-khong-lanh-manh-d232306.html