Page 86 - FoodFocusThailand No.231 June 2025

SOMETHING
SOMETHING ABOUT FOOD ABOUT FOOD

Ultra-Processed Food:

The Hidden Risk of NCDs

The truth of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is that these conditions are not new, both globally and in
Thailand. As many people are already aware, NCDs such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension,
high blood cholesterol, cancer, and stroke cannot be completely cured. They can only be managed to
prevent symptoms from worsening, which is why they are referred to as “chronic diseases.” Notably, over
the past 10 years, the number of NCDs patients has been increasing worldwide. Even more concerning
is that patients are becoming younger, despite significant advances in public health technology and the
widespread availability of health information via the internet.

The questions are… non-communicable diseases—silent threats that have
persisted for many years. The goal is to develop proactive
Why does the number of chronic disease prevention strategies, particularly by understanding the
patients continue to rise? primary causes of these conditions. Most concerning is that
Why does the mortality rate from these diseases non-communicable diseases cannot be completely cured.
remain high? Experts widely agree that a major contributing factor is dietary
The author had the opportunity to exchange insights with behavior, particularly the consumption of foods high in sugar,
several doctors and nutritionists regarding their experiences fat, and salt, as well as “processed and ultra-processed
in patient care and their efforts to identify the root causes of foods”.

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