The Ministry of Health’s NCD (Non-Communicable Diseases) Health Promotion and Research Unit has conducted an in-depth study on the nutrition and dietary habits of Mauritians, shedding light on concerning patterns.
The study, just published, reveals that a significant portion of the population consumes excessive amounts of rice while suffering from micronutrient deficiencies.
According to the findings, out of the 2,400 participants, a staggering 97.1% reported consuming white rice as a staple, with an average daily intake of 452.4 grams per person.
This amount exceeds the recommended portion size of a standard plate of cooked rice (350 grams). In addition, 93.1% of participants revealed their consumption of white bread, averaging 122.8 grams per day, roughly equivalent to one and a quarter homemade bread.
The study also highlights the insufficient consumption of vegetables and fruits among Mauritians. On average, individuals consume a mere 198.2 grams of these essential food groups daily, which accounts for only 50% of the World Health Organization’s recommended intake of 400 grams per day for adolescents and adults.
Such dietary habits have far-reaching implications for the health and well-being of the population. The survey results demonstrate that while the majority of Mauritians consume enough food, there are concerning trends regarding underweight, overweight, obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies.
Notably, deficiencies in iron and vitamin D were prevalent among the participants, contributing to the phenomenon known as “hidden hunger.” Improving the quality of the overall diet is crucial to address these nutritional gaps and promote better health outcomes.
The high prevalence of overweight and obesity is another pressing concern. Among children aged 5 to 11 years, 14.6% were found to be overweight, while 13.8% suffered from obesity.
Similarly, among adolescents (12 to 19 years), 14.2% were classified as overweight and 9% as obese.
The issue becomes even more pronounced among adults, with 35.5% falling into the overweight category and 31.2% classified as obese. Among the elderly population (50 to 74 years), 40.3% were overweight, and 28.6% were obese.
To address these challenges, the Ministry of Health and Wellness plans to conduct further studies, including a comprehensive Salt Intake Study.
These initiatives aim to refine and strengthen existing public health measures and guide effective interventions. Collaboration with renowned institutions such as Monash University (Australia), the University of Helsinki (Finland), and Umea University Hospital (Sweden) has been instrumental in conducting the nutrition survey, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in tackling these pressing health issues.
The publication of these findings serves as a wake-up call, urging immediate action to improve dietary habits, raise awareness about balanced nutrition, and implement policies that promote healthier lifestyles.
By addressing the excessive consumption of rice, encouraging the intake of diverse vegetables and fruits, and combatting the rising rates of overweight and obesity, Mauritius can pave the way for a healthier future and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases on its population.
Source: Defi Plus
