HCMC people eating too much salt: CDC

Residents of Ho Chi Minh City are consuming an average of 8.5 grams of salt per day, far exceeding the recommended daily limit of 5 grams set by the World Health Organization (WHO). This was revealed in a recent report by the city's Center for Disease Control (CDC), which raised concerns about the impact of high salt intake on public health.

The CDC has identified excessive salt consumption as one of the major nutritional challenges currently facing Ho Chi Minh City. The increasing prevalence of urbanization, changes in lifestyle, and a general lack of awareness regarding proper nutrition have all contributed to unhealthy eating habits. As a result, there has been a rise in obesity rates and an elevated risk of developing non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular conditions, and kidney disease.

On a national scale, the average daily salt intake across Vietnam has been measured at 8.1 grams, according to data from the 2021 National Survey on Risk Factors for Non-communicable Diseases. While this represents a slight improvement compared to the 9.4 grams recorded in 2015, the figures still remain significantly above WHO recommendations. This persistent issue has prompted health experts to call for increased public awareness and stronger efforts to promote healthier dietary habits.

The Ministry of Health has also expressed growing concern over the increasing consumption of fast food, which is often high in salt and other unhealthy additives. A recent survey conducted among 467 individuals in Ho Chi Minh City, aged between 19 and 39, found that 47% of respondents frequently consume fast food. This trend further exacerbates the problem of excessive salt intake and highlights the need for better nutritional education and public health initiatives aimed at reducing the consumption of salty foods.

Health officials emphasize that excessive salt intake can contribute to serious long-term health complications, making it essential for individuals to adopt healthier eating habits. They recommend gradually reducing salt consumption by cooking with less salt, avoiding highly processed foods, and increasing awareness of sodium content in meals. Public health campaigns and education programs may also play a crucial role in encouraging people to make more informed choices about their diets, ultimately improving overall health and well-being in Ho Chi Minh City and across Vietnam.