TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The stress of daily life often leads people to turn to high-sugar or high-fat "comfort foods," affecting their overall health.
This trend has made Taiwan the "fattest" country in Asia in recent years, with over 50% of those over 19 classified as overweight or obese.
These conditions can lead to serious health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
By 2045, the International Diabetes Federation estimates that around 560 million people in Asia and Africa will be diagnosed with diabetes.
Unfortunately, Taiwan is among the regions with the fastest-growing diabetes cases, with one in four people over 18 diagnosed with prediabetes. Why?
According to Dr. Lin Yi-hsin of Taiwan Adventist Hospital's Endocrinology and Metabolism Department, most people assume that type 2 diabetes is solely caused by excessive sugar consumption when there are more detrimental factors.
"Medical research shows that high-salt, strongly flavored, fried, and fatty foods containing artificial ingredients are common culprits for diabetes development," Lin explained.
As diabetes diagnoses continue to increase in Taiwan, doctors suggest incorporating 30-50 minutes of daily exercise, eating more vegetables, and reducing junk food consumption are the most effective ways to manage the condition.
Promoting healthy lifestyle choices and raising awareness about the impact of poor eating habits on overall health is crucial in curbing the diabetes epidemic.