Page 39 - FoodFocusThailand No.200 November 2022

SPECIAL FOCUS

Furthermore, consuming too Based on the study conducted by the Office of the National Economic and
much added salt and sugar, having Social Development Council (NESDC), the population aged 15 to 74 years old
a high unsaturated and trans fatty consumed high-fat foods 2–5 times per week, of which deep-fried foods were
acid intake, and eating unhealthy consumed up to 5 times a week. The report from HBSS also found that the high-
foods in large quantities on a risk group and the sick populations ate high-fat meat more than 4 days per week
regular basis can all be harmful to by 12.1 and 7.2 percent and ate fried food more than 4 days per week by 14.4
one’s health, lowering life quality and 8.1 percent, respectively.
and resulting in high medical
expenses. Therefore, we must
break this deadly cycle and change
our habits as soon as possible to
remain healthy and safe.

Factors Contributing to
Health Problems In the
Working-age Population
Not Eating Enough Fruits and
Vegetables Not eating enough
fruits and vegetables can lead to a
deficiency in vitamins, minerals,
and fiber, which is harmful since
these nutrients support normal
intestine function, lower bad
cholesterol levels in the blood, and
slow carbohydrate absorption,
allowing blood sugar levels to rise
more slowly. According to statistics
from Thailand’s Ministry of Health,
our working-age people consume
only three portions of fruits and
vegetables per day, which is less
than the WHO standard of at least
five portions per day.
Excessive Consumption of
Sweet, Salty, and Fatty Foods
According to the study, the
Development of Health Behavioral
Surveillance System (HBSS)
revealed that the average Thai
population aged between 15 and
75 years consumes foods high in
sugar, salt, and fat more than ever.
The numbers also indicated that
the risky group tends to eat sugary
foods or sweet fruits more than four
days per week, with 11% of them
increasing the amount of sugar in
their food or beverages.

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