Avoid fast foods to fend off non-communicable diseases

Kenya’s middle class is increasingly abandoning traditional, healthy foods for the more glamorous yet unhealthy junk foods leading to an increase in lifestyle diseases among the population.

Diets high in fats, sugar and salt content, and low in fibre have been well accommodated as a norm and is considered as a standard of an improved standard of living, better incomes and adoption of western lifestyles.

Due to a ready market, fast food joints have mushroomed left right and centre in our capital city.

Globally renowned brands have found their way into the Kenyan market and some are opening more than four franchises within a year, an indicator of how well we have accommodated them.

To cater for all Kenyans regardless of financial muscle, you will find them in high and low end outlets.

The average caloric need for a moderately active adult is 2,200 kilocalories a day.

A standard meal in a fast food joint includes a plate of fries, quarter chicken and 500ml soda.

By the time you are done with your meal, you will have consumed approximately 1,009 calories in one sitting — a medium sized plate of French fries will give you 421 calories, two deep fried drumsticks will give you 386 calories and 500 millilitres of soda 202 calories.

If you combine these calories with other meals taken in the course of the day, one ends up consuming more than the daily dietary recommendations.

Due to high calories, high fat and sodium content, junk food greatly increases the risk of developing non-communicable illnesses like obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and some types of cancers if consumed regularly.

Poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle have left many Kenyans, young and old, overweight and obese with overhanging bellies misconstrued as a sign of wealth. These are rightly referred to as central obesity, which increases the risk for heart disorders.

Kenya loses approximately 100,000 people every year due to non-communicable illnesses with risk of having a premature death due to NCD being at 18 per cent.

More than 50 per cent of inpatient admissions and 40 per cent of hospital deaths in Kenya are due to these preventable conditions.

To win this war against overweight, obesity and other lifestyle diseases, people must make a conscious effort to eat healthy.

Traditional unprocessed foods which are readily available in our markets offer a healthy choice.

Go slow on fast foods — they are really fast in taking people to the grave.