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Summary : Most Singapore residents eat too much salt, prevalence of high blood pressure almost doubled since 2010

 October 24, 2023 / Leave a comment

Original article

Summary

The information provided highlights significant health challenges related to diet and lifestyle in Singapore, particularly concerning high sodium intake, hypertension, and obesity. Here are the key points from the information you provided:

Sodium Intake and Hypertension:

• Nine in 10 Singapore residents exceed the recommended daily salt intake of 2,000mg.
• Prevalence of hypertension has nearly doubled since 2010, reaching 37% in 2021-2022.
• 80% of sodium intake comes from added salt, sauces, seasonings, and processed foods.
• Sodium content in dishes has increased by 22% from 2010 to 2023 due to larger portions and higher sodium content per 100g of food.
• Initiatives have been launched to encourage the use of lower-sodium alternatives in food preparation.

Obesity and Physical Activity:

• Obesity rate increased to 11.6% in 2021-2022, up from 8.6% in 2013.
• Physical activity levels dropped due to reduced commuting, likely influenced by hybrid work arrangements.

Caloric Intake and Diet Composition:

• Mean calorie intake increased from 2,360kcal in 2019 to 2,410kcal in 2022.
• 61% of residents exceeded the recommended caloric intake.
• Diet composition had lower carbohydrates and higher fat, with saturated fat intake exceeding recommendations.
• Total sugar intake decreased, with 52% coming from sugar-sweetened beverages.

Government Initiatives:

• Nutri-Grade labels have been effective, leading companies to reformulate products.
• Regulatory measures are being considered to reduce sodium content in food, following examples from other countries like Chile and Finland.
• Campaigns are planned to encourage the food industry to reduce sodium levels in dishes to 2010 levels.
• The Healthier Choice symbol is encouraged for identifying low-sodium products.
• Freshly prepared beverages will have Nutri-Grade labels and advertisement restrictions.

Health Minister’s Statements:

• Health Minister Ong Ye Kung emphasized the importance of lifestyle changes and dietary habits in combating chronic diseases.
• He highlighted the need for changes without making food bland or undermining the diversity of Singaporean cuisine.

In summary, the data illustrates a concerning trend in dietary habits, physical activity levels, and related health issues in Singapore. The government is actively pursuing various strategies and initiatives to address these challenges and encourage healthier lifestyles among its residents.