Health experts call for taking policy action to combat rising diabetes, obesity

Experts at a dialogue titled “Public Policies to Tackle Obesity and Diabetes: A Case of iTFAs Reduction” here on Monday highlighted the urgent need to address rising health risks from industrially produced trans fats (iTFAs).

 

Experts stressed the need for immediate policy changes to combat obesity and diabetes, which are affecting millions in Pakistan.

Health professionals, food safety officials and researchers participated in the dialogue, which was organized by the Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA), Health Services Academy, and Islamabad Food Authority (IFA), with support from Nutrition International. The event focused on how policy reforms can curb non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Experts highlighted that Pakistan faces a growing health crisis, with 60 percent of deaths attributed to NCDs. About 36 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes, and another 11 million are pre-diabetic. Obesity is also on the rise, affecting nearly 23 percent of men and 40 percent of women in urban areas. Around 16 percent of children in Pakistan are overweight or obese, putting them at high risk for diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular issues later in life.

The experts warned that dietary habits and lifestyle changes are contributing to this surge. Industrially produced trans fatty acids (iTFAs), commonly found in processed foods, are a significant factor. These harmful fats are linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.

Addressing the participants, Deputy Director Operations of Islamabad Food Authority (IFA) Dr. Tahira Saddique highlighted the authority’s efforts to tackle the issue. She noted, “We are committed to protecting residents from the harmful effects of unhealthy fats. Our goal is to reduce the prevalence of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes, especially among adults aged 26 to 59.”

To raise awareness, the IFA is encouraging healthier eating habits by promoting fresh fruits, vegetables, lentils, and other nutritious options over processed foods and sugary drinks, she added.

On the occasion, Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Dean of the Faculty of Public Health Sciences at the Health Services Academy, called obesity and diabetes a growing epidemic. He pointed out that gender disparities in health are evident, as urban women face higher obesity rates than men. “Diabetes is a gateway to severe complications such as kidney failure, heart attacks, and foot ulcers, often leading to amputations,” Dr. Kumar explained.

Meanwhile, Zubair Faisal Abbasi, advisor to CGPA, emphasized that these diseases are preventable with effective policy interventions. “Improving food governance and ensuring compliance with food standards, such as eliminating iTFAs, can significantly reduce the burden of NCDs,” he said.

He cited global examples, noting that more than 61 countries have adopted policies to limit or eliminate iTFAs. Pakistan, he said, needs to strengthen its enforcement mechanisms to ensure harmful trans fats are removed from the food supply.

Furthermore, Muhammad Anwar, Executive Director of CGPA, echoed this view. “The case for trans fats elimination is clear. We must enforce the Pakistan Standard: 221:2023 to ensure safe consumption of banaspati ghee and other food products,” he said.

The participants unanimously resolved that robust evidence supports the elimination of iTFAs due to their harmful effects. They called for the immediate implementation of the Pakistan Standard: 221:2023 to protect public health.

The dialogue concluded with a commitment to strengthening food policies and raising awareness to reduce the impact of obesity and diabetes in Pakistan. Experts urged the government, the food industry, and citizens to work together to create a healthier future.


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