ISLAMABAD: On Monday, World Obesity Day was observed, and former health minister Dr. Nadeem Jan said that obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were alarmingly increasing in Pakistan.

“More than 40 percent of people in Pakistan are obese or overweight. The prevalence of overweight among children under 5 has almost doubled from 2011 to 2018. The obesity and weight have increased in women of reproductive age from 28pc to 38pc in five years. Sugary drinks / ultra-processed products often high in sugar, salt, or trans-fats are among the major contributors to obesity and many other non-communicable diseases,” he said while speaking to participants of an event organised by the Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) at a local hotel in Islamabad.

The guests included former President PANAH, Gen. (R) General Ashraf Khan, Country Representative of Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) Munawar Hussain, Vice President PANAH Col. Dr. Shakeel Ahmed Mirza, President National Press Club Islamabad Mr. Anwar Raza, CEO Heartfile Dr. Saba Amjad, health professionals, civil society representatives, and media.

Dr. Jan reiterated the government’s dedication to tackling the obesity epidemic and NCDs. He said that the Ministry of National Health Services was committed to taking all possible measures to improve public health in Pakistan.

“Ministry of health has recently banned the use of Sugary drinks in health ministry and issued an advisory to other ministries to ban these unhealthy drinks in their respective domains,” he said.

Gen ® Ashraf Khan delivered a keynote address shedding light on modifiable risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases and obesity. He said that overweight and obesity were the key modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular and many other fatal non-communicable diseases.

“High body mass index (BMI) contributes considerably to NCDs. Unhealthy diets are among the major contributors to obesity. Government should take immediate policy measures to reduce the risk of obesity in Pakistan. There is need for higher taxes on ultra-processed foods to reduce their consumption,” he said.

Munawar Hussain, in his presentation, delved into policies aimed at reducing the consumption of ultra-processed products, with a special focus on higher taxes on sugary drinks, chocolates, ice creams, salty and sweet snacks, fast foods, baked items, ready-to-eat meals, and processed meat.

“Taxing ultra-processed foods is a triple win for government as it reduces the obesity and other non-communicable diseases, generate additional revenue for the government, and government does not bear any cost. The revenue collected from taxes must be earmarked fully or partially for public health programs,” he said.

“Sugary drinks are the largest source of the intake of the sugar in the diet. The liquid sugar alters the metabolism of the body, promote excess calorie intake which can lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes” said by Dr. Shakeel Ahmed Mirza.

Published in Dawn, March 5th, 2024