According to Dr. Varsha Shah, lifestyle and pediatrics specialist at the Institute of Medicine and SBKS Research Center (India), we are living in an easy-to-fat environment, where healthy options are becoming increasingly difficult amid the myriad of temptations from ultra-processed foods.
The convenience of instant noodles, canned foods, fast food... - easily found in the kitchen of families - is gradually replacing traditional home meals, causing serious risks to public health, Dr. Varsha Shah emphasized.
According to Ms. Varsha Shah, the current young generation, especially the Alpha generation, is increasingly favoring processed meals such as pasta and instant noodles instead of traditional nutritious dishes such as beans and lentils.
There is a prejudice that traditional foods are boring, making children and adults turn their backs on what is truly nutritious, says Ms. Varsha Shah.
Not only at meals, the sedentary lifestyle also contributes to this problem. Physical activity is no longer a natural part of daily life. Even walking 10,000 steps a day now requires initiative.
In addition, excessive use of electronic devices at night disrupts sleep and disrupts circadian rhythm, creating a spiral that negatively affects overall health.
Dr. Shah warns that the combination of poor diet, lack of exercise, poor sleep and prolonged stress can cause obesity and lifestyle-related diseases, even in very young people.
In that context, many people seek obesity treatment drugs such as GLP-1 to control their weight. However, Dr. Shah affirmed: "These drugs only provide temporary solutions and do not solve the root problem".
Discussing long-term and sustainable solutions, Dr. Shah said that it is necessary to create a daily routine of exercise, getting enough sleep, reducing stress and eating healthy.
"Stop canned and fast food with cozy and nutritious meals at home. This is not only to control weight, but also to nurture a healthy life from the roots, Dr. Shah concluded.
