Avoid Junk Food

What does the decline of traditional food culture say about Nepal’s evolving identity? Since we frequently replace pizza and chips with dal-bhat, are we losing more than just our health? The Global Policy Report 2024 depicts concerning data: just 1.1 per cent of Nepalis consume the minimum amount of fruits and vegetables as recommended by the WHO. Over half of them frequently munch on fried and salty snacks. This is an alarming situation, as some people are eating too much junk food while others are not eating enough. 

In Nepal, the rise of junk food consumption has become a significant public health concern, particularly among children, adolescents, and urban populations. Junk foods that are high in calories, sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats but low in essential nutrients are replacing traditional and nutritious Nepali meals. Whether it's salty snacks, sweets, instant noodles, chatpat, or panipuri, these treats are often shared with friends or eaten during travel. This trend isn’t just about food; it’s about daily life, habits, and relationships. 

Teenagers often eat what their friends are eating; no one wants to feel left out when everyone’s sharing a packet of chips or slurping panipuri after school. Junk food is everywhere; sold just outside the school gate or sitting in the kitchen cabinet at home. According to the National Library of Medicine (NIH), consumption of junk food is associated with an increased risk of developing depression. Increased consumption of junk food has heightened the odds of depression and psychological stress being experienced in adult populations.

It has become a major concern for parents that their children demand junk food every day. Not only are young people consuming, but an increasing number of adults are consuming convenience foods like pizza, burgers and baked foods frequently. They have replaced the traditional dishes like dal baht or dhido, etc., which are healthy diets. The busy lives of people and the imitation of Western culture have contributed to this trend, and the consequences can't be overlooked. Obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney problems, and hormone abnormalities have become major health issues.

Further consequences are seen in menstrual health. Research has found that a high prevalence of menstrual problems, with 80.7 per cent of participants experiencing dysmenorrhea and 87.9 per cent reporting various menstrual health issues. A study also found that skipping meals and having irregular eating patterns significantly increased the likelihood of menstrual problems. Nowadays, young girls are getting their period early. Research has also found a potential link between junk food and the early onset of menstruation. Poor diet during childhood and adolescence is found to be associated with early puberty. 

Junk foods might contribute to increased insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances probably trigger early puberty. Such food is shown to lead to hormonal imbalances and irregular periods, heavier flows, or more painful period cramps. Given the gravity of the situation, immediate action must be taken. Regulations to limit the marketing and availability of junk food, prohibitions on junk food in schools and colleges, encouraging the traditional Nepali foods in public places shops, among other measures, might go a long way in mitigating the consumption. We can make better choices and establish surroundings that promote everyone’s health.