Urgent Call for Front-of-Pack Labelling: Combat Lifestyle Diseases Now – Insights from Africa Science News

There’s growing concern around Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)—often referred to as lifestyle or chronic diseases. These include conditions like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases. The lifestyle choices we make, from our diets to our exercise habits, play a big role in their emergence.

The World Health Organization (WHO) points out that these diseases are linked to five main risk factors: tobacco use, high alcohol intake, obesity, inadequate physical activity, and unhealthy eating. Together, these factors, known as the "5 by 5" approach to NCDs, highlight how lifestyle impacts health.

In many low- and middle-income countries, including Kenya, the burden of NCDs is particularly severe. Rapid urbanization and changing lifestyles have contributed to a rise in these diseases. A Kenya Demographic and Health Survey from 2022 noted that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among women jumped from 25% in 2008 to a staggering 49% in 2022. This trend is largely due to unhealthy eating habits.

Currently, NCDs account for 43% of all deaths in Kenya, posing a serious public health challenge. The Kenya Ministry of Health suggests that better consumer education on food choices could significantly help. Clear labeling on packaged foods is a crucial step in this direction.

Dr. Catherine Karekezi, Executive Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance Kenya (NCDAK), emphasizes the need for awareness. NCDs are increasingly linked to three critical nutrients: sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. These contribute to weight gain and various health issues.

Nutrition Matters

Research shows that diets high in processed foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, and unhealthy snacks are particularly harmful. For instance, sugar-rich drinks and ultra-processed foods lead to obesity and diabetes. A 2021 study indicated that a significant percentage of Kenyans consume sugary beverages regularly, which raises their risk for these diseases.

Healthy diets, on the other hand, focus on whole foods—fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These foods provide essential nutrients and help mitigate the risk of developing NCDs.

Efforts are underway to implement front-of-pack warning labels in Kenya. These labels will clearly show high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, making it easier for consumers to make informed choices. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030.

“Instead of focusing on the back label, we want to put this information on the front,” says Anne Swakei from NCDAK. “It’s key to empowering consumers to make healthier choices right at the point of purchase, away from misleading advertising.”

Experts agree that understanding food labels could change shopping habits for the better. With clearer information, people will likely gravitate towards healthier options, reducing their risk of lifestyle-related diseases.

In Kenya and beyond, the shift from communicable diseases to NCDs marks a critical point in public health. Community organizations like NCDAK are working tirelessly to raise awareness and advocate for policies that promote healthier living.

In conclusion, addressing NCDs requires a collective effort—from consumers to policymakers. With the right tools and knowledge, we can combat these lifestyle diseases and improve overall health outcomes. For more insights on public health initiatives, you can visit the WHO website.

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