The Rising Tide of NCDs: How Diet is Shaping Fiji’s Future Health
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) – including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers – are placing a significant strain on families and healthcare systems in Fiji. A key driver behind this surge? Increasingly poor dietary habits, according to health experts.
The STEP Survey Reveals Critical Insights
Recent data from the Ministry of Health’s STEP Survey underscores the urgency of the situation. The survey, a WHO STEPwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance, provides key insights into the food habits of the population. While specific details of the survey’s findings haven’t been fully released, the initial assessment is prompting calls for action.
Similar surveys conducted in other regions, like Trinidad and Tobago in 2024, and a 2020-2021 survey in the Maldives, utilize the same WHO methodology to monitor NCD risk factors, including unhealthy diet.
Modern Diets: A Recipe for Illness
Nutritionist Vittoria Pasca, a leading advocate for plant-based cooking, explains that modern diets are often overloaded with animal products, saturated fats, sugar, and salt. Simultaneously, they lack essential fibre and fresh produce. This imbalance is a major contributor to the growing NCD burden.
“Diets are just so important. I would say it’s the first lifestyle factor for sure,” Pasca emphasizes. “Definitely diets that are too high in fat, too poor in fiber and too high in sugar and salt are the biggest problem.”
The Power of Whole, Plant-Based Foods
Pasca champions a return to whole, unprocessed foods. “When I promote plant-based foods, I actually promote whole plant-based foods, which means foods that are unprocessed, that you just go to the market, you buy and you cook yourself at home.” She notes that many individuals currently consume vegetables only once or twice a week, falling far short of the recommended five servings per day.
This shift isn’t just about avoiding certain foods; it’s about embracing a lifestyle centered around fresh, natural ingredients.
Beyond Awareness: Practical Changes at Home
Experts agree that simply raising awareness isn’t enough. Reversing the trend requires practical dietary changes at the household level. This means prioritizing home-cooked meals, incorporating more fruits and vegetables into daily diets, and reducing the consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of fat.
Kriti Prasad, Acting Manager for National Food and Nutrition Center at the Ministry of Health, highlights the importance of the STEP survey in understanding current food habits and informing future interventions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are NCDs? Non-communicable diseases are chronic illnesses that are not infectious, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Why is diet so important for NCDs? Poor dietary habits are a major risk factor for developing many NCDs.
How many servings of vegetables should I eat per day? Health experts recommend at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
What does “whole, plant-based” indicate? It refers to foods that are unprocessed and derived from plants, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
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