HIGH FAT SUGAR SALT (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci & technology)

Context:The consumption of High Fat Sugar Salt (HFSS) foods is one of the major risk factors to a host of health issues that include obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure

HIGH FAT SUGAR SALT (HFSS):

• About: Foods (any food or drink, packaged or nonpackaged) which contain low amounts of proteins, vitamins, phytochemicals, minerals and dietary fiber but are rich in fat (saturated fatty acids), salt and sugar and high in energy (calories) that are known to have negative impact on health if consumed regularly or in high amounts.
• Causes:

oThe Convenience of Processed Food: Regardless of the individual item, processed food and fast-food products are generally easy to grab and take with you.

oThe Affordability of Processed Food: Processed food is so accessible, affordable and convenient, it becomes easy to forgo nutritious food.

Health impact:

• Increased risk and incidence of certain diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers as well as contributing to high levels of obesity both for children and adults.
• Affect immune status and recovery from infection and common deficiencies like anemia, children and young people are overweight or obese