The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released a report that emphasizes the fact that unhealthy trans fats remain uncontrolled for about five billion people worldwide. This means that they are at an increased risk of developing heart disease and death due to their consumption of unhealthy foods. Urgent action is needed to reduce the consumption of trans fats and improve the health of individuals worldwide, according to the report.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, “Trans fat has no known benefit and incurs huge health risks that cause huge costs for health systems.” He also emphasized that eliminating trans fat is cost-effective and has enormous health benefits. In short, trans fat is a toxic chemical that is lethal and should not be present in food. Therefore, it is time to get rid of it once and for all.
Trans fats are a type of unsaturated fat that can be found in various processed and fried foods, including baked goods, fried foods, and snacks. They increase LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels in the body, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems. According to the WHO report, trans fats cause more than 500,000 deaths every year, mainly in low- and middle-income countries.
The report highlights the need for urgent action to reduce the consumption of trans fats worldwide. The WHO recommends that countries adopt policies to eliminate industrially produced trans fats from the food supply. Furthermore, the report calls for increased awareness among consumers about the dangers of trans fats and the need to make healthier food choices.
Some countries, such as Denmark, Switzerland, and Iceland, have already taken action to eliminate trans fats from their food supplies. The WHO report acknowledges that progress has been made in this area but notes that much more needs to be done to protect the health of individuals worldwide.
“Progress in eliminating trans fat is at risk of stalling, and trans fat continues to kill people,” said Tom Frieden, president of Resolve to Save Lives. “Every government can stop these preventable deaths by passing a best-practice policy now. The days of trans fat killing people are numbered —but governments must act to end this preventable tragedy.”
Consumers can also reduce their consumption of trans fats by making healthier food choices, such as reading food labels carefully and avoiding foods that contain partially hydrogenated oils, which are a major source of trans fats. Instead, individuals should choose foods that are rich in healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts.
In conclusion, the WHO report highlights the urgent need to reduce the consumption of trans fats worldwide. About five billion people remain at risk of developing heart disease and death due to their consumption of unhealthy foods. It is crucial for governments, policymakers, and consumers to take action to eliminate trans fats from the food supply and promote healthier food choices. By doing so, we can improve the health of individuals worldwide and reduce the number of deaths caused by heart disease and other related illnesses.
