The Southeast Asia area was present process a fast demographic transition, with urbanization and financial development additional driving unhealthy diets, decreased bodily exercise and extra sedentary existence. Picture for illustration. | Picture credit score: Getty Pictures
The World Well being Group (WHO) on Wednesday (September 17, 2024) referred to as on nations within the world well being physique’s “Southeast Asia Area” to strengthen insurance policies and promote wholesome diets and bodily exercise to fight the rising variety of chubby folks, weight problems and the unfold of non-communicable ailments, that are the main causes of loss of life within the area.
Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, talking on the opening occasion of a regional assembly to “promote wholesome diets and meals environments, and bodily exercise via enabling insurance policies and environments”, mentioned the burden of chubby, weight problems and related metabolic problems has been steadily rising within the area, affecting each youngsters and adults.
Ms Wazed added that the traits had pushed a rise in non-communicable ailments, together with cardiovascular ailments, diabetes and most cancers, which have been answerable for practically two-thirds of all deaths within the area.
The Southeast Asia area was experiencing a fast demographic transition with urbanization and financial development driving additional unhealthy diets, decreased bodily exercise and extra sedentary existence.
“Wholesome consuming and common bodily exercise are key to attaining this objective. Nonetheless, this requires greater than information and behavioural modifications – it requires creating enabling environments that help and encourage more healthy selections,” mentioned Wazed.
“Sound regulatory frameworks and insurance policies are important to create more healthy meals environments at house, faculty, retail and digital areas, in addition to protected leisure and strolling areas, particularly in city settings. Fiscal insurance policies also needs to incentivise wholesome diets,” she mentioned.
“A number of nations within the area have already made vital progress by introducing meals labelling laws, banning trans fat in meals and implementing taxes on sugary drinks, however extra is required,” the WHO mentioned in an announcement.
Printed – September 18, 2024 06:40 pm IST