Islamabad (TDI): With obesity and diet-related non-commutable diseases (NCDs) rising at an alarming rate in Pakistan, health experts and civil society leaders have urged the government to impose higher taxes on ultra-processed foods to curb their consumption.
Speaking at a symposium organized by the Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) on World Obesity Day, they said that over 40 percent of Pakistan’s population is overweight or obese, with childhood obesity nearly doubling in recent years.
“The prevalence of overweight among the children under 5 has almost doubled from 2011 to 2018. The obesity and overweight increased in women of reproductive age from 28% to 38% in five years,” they said.
The experts emphasized that ultra-processed products often high in sugar, salt or trans-fats are among the major contributors to obesity and many other non-communicable diseases.
Government must take immediate policy actions to reduce the obesity and NCDs in Pakistan, they urged.
The further said that taxing ultra-processed foods is a triple win for government as it reduces the obesity and other risk factors of non-communicable diseases, generate additional revenue, and policy has low or no cost for the government.
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The speakers urged Ministry of Finance of Pakistan and International Monitory Fund as well to increased FED on unhealthy foods instead of fuel, energy and salaried class.
In addition, the revenue collected from taxes must be earmarked for public health and nutrition programs, they said.
Speakers also stressed on adopting the holistic policy approach, including regulating transfats in all foods, marketing restrictions and imposing Front of Pack Warning Labels and on ultra-processed products.
They said that enactment of FOPWLs will empower consumers to adopt healthier food choices.
Dr. Saba Amjad from Heartfile delivered a keynote address, shedding light on modifiable risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases and obesity.
Dr. Saba Amjad said that overweight and obesity are the key modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular and many other fatal non-communicable diseases.
“High body mass index (BMI) contributes considerably to NCDs and unhealthy diets are among the major contributors to obesity. Government shall take immediate policy measures to reduce the risk of obesity in Pakistan.”
Sanaullah Ghumman briefed the participants about PANAHs campaign on the reduction of the consumption of ultra-processed foods.
He said that PANAH is not only working to raise awareness of general public on health harms of ultra-processed foods but also working with policy makers for formulation of effective policies to reduce their consumption.
He said that “While Pakistan government is taking several measures to stabilize economy, increasing tax on sugary drinks and taxing other ultra-processed food products is an evidence based and sensible strategy to not only reduce the diseases burden, but also generate significant revenue for the country”.
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Other speakers underscored the urgent need for decisive action to combat the escalating burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Pakistan.
They emphasized the importance of a transparent, integrity-driven policy-making process, free from corporate interference, ensuring that no entity with vested interests influences public health and nutrition policies.
Civil society leaders urged the government to place public health at the forefront of decision-making.
