A dietitian at the Ho Teaching Hospital, McNoel Dela Ahodokpo, has urged Ghanaians to be mindful of their eating habits, emphasizing that healthy eating doesn’t require consuming large amounts of food.
In an interview on Swiss FM, Mr. Dela highlighted that many people’s dietary choices are increasing their risk of developing serious health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
As a member of the Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (GAND), Mr. Dela stressed the importance of adopting healthy eating habits to prevent these conditions. He encouraged Ghanaians to prioritize a balanced diet and pay attention to their nutritional intake to reduce the risk of diet-related health problems.
Mr. Dela pointed out that many Ghanaians hold a misconception about weight and health. “In our society, when you are fat, people think you are enjoying life,” he said. However, he emphasized that this notion is not always true. A person’s weight does not necessarily determine their health, and what matters is whether their weight is proportionate to their height, as measured by the Body Mass Index (BMI).
According to Mr. Dela, his experience at the Ho Teaching Hospital has been alarming. He said over 90% of his patients suffer from diabetes or hypertension, and the age demographic is getting younger. “These days, even people in their twenties and thirties are being diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension,” he warned. This trend, he noted, is a serious national problem that requires immediate attention.
Mr. Dela attributed the rising prevalence of these diseases to unhealthy eating habits. He explained that the high consumption of sugary drinks, fatty foods, and processed snacks is taking a toll on people’s health. “Our food choices are killing us slowly,” he cautioned. Even small portions of unhealthy foods can lead to excessive calorie intake, which increases the risk of sickness.
Mr. Dela noted that many individuals resort to unhealthy eating habits due to stress, often opting for fried and fatty foods instead of balanced meals. He highlighted the importance of implementing a national food labeling policy, which would require food producers to clearly display the amount of sugar, fat, and salt in their products.
According to Mr. Dela, such a policy would empower consumers to make informed choices about their diet. By providing clear nutritional information, consumers would be able to make healthier decisions. This, in turn, would support the work of dietitians and other health professionals who advise clients on healthy eating habits.
“When people can see warning labels, they’ll know what they’re putting in their bodies,” Mr. Dela explained. “That information gives power to the consumer. As dietitians, we can then teach our clients how to read labels and decide what’s safe for them.”
Mr. Dela disclosed that GAND has already presented a proposal to government, and the policy is currently being considered by Parliament. However, he admitted that the process will take time since Ghana does not yet have any law guiding food labeling.
He appealed to citizens and media outlets to support the advocacy, emphasizing the importance of collective action. “We need the public to add their voices,” he said. “The government listens when the people speak together. Health workers, radio stations, and everyone must help spread this message.”
Mr. Dela reiterated that good health is not about quantity, but quality. He reminded Ghanaians that making smart and moderate food choices is key to maintaining good health, urging everyone to prioritize informed eating habits
Modernghana
