The dangers of too much processed and fast foods

GEORGE TOWN: Unhealthy lifestyles have led to people suffering from cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including heart attack and stroke, at a younger age.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) family medicine specialist Dr Mastura Mohd Sopian said CVD among young people is mainly caused by high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), commonly known as bad cholesterol.

“CVD is the leading cause for morbidity and mortality globally and Malaysians are not spared from it,” she said.

Aside from poor dietary habits, she said a largely sedentary lifestyle and stress have added to the increase in CVD and metabolic diseases.

“Too much fast food and processed food, which are cheaply available, are among the main reasons the younger generation has become more prone to these diseases,” she added.

The medical lecturer said to combat these diseases, prevention was better than cure.

Dr Mastura urged people to stick to healthy diets, and for those who smoke, to kick the habit.

She said one must move more and exercise often – as much as 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day or at least three days a week.

“We should all learn how to manage our stress, seek help and advice when needed and see the doctor yearly for a health screening,” she said, adding that getting six to eight hours of sleep each night was vital.

For those dealing with diabetes or other non-communicable diseases (NCD), Dr Mastura said these healthy habits were necessary to manage their condition.

She said the greatest visible indicator of being at risk of CVD was being overweight or worse, obese.

Public health expert Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said too much food consumed by Malaysians now were laden with saturated and even trans fats.

This, he said, were among factors causing Malaysians, especially the younger generation, to be at risk of CVD.

Dr Zainal said it was important to maintain a healthy balance of cholesterol in the body by limiting their intake of saturated and trans fats.

LDL is the type of cholesterol that can cause build-ups and blockages in arteries that can lead to heart diseases and strokes.