Vietnam is undergoing a significant shift in disease patterns, with non-communicable diseases becoming the primary causes of death. These include cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and stroke. According to the Ministry of Health, these illnesses now account for about 80% of the country's disease burden. This trend is largely attributed to what officials describe as an 'affluent' lifestyle: excessive food consumption, particularly processed items, coupled with a lack of physical activity.

Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan highlighted inactive lifestyles, increased meat consumption, reduced vegetable intake, and high salt intake as key drivers. A national STEPS survey reveals that 25% of Vietnamese adults have hypertension, about 5 million people live with diabetes, and over 180,000 new cancer cases emerge annually. Millions more suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

In recent years, hospitalizations for diabetes have increased, affecting younger individuals. Previously, the disease primarily impacted those over 40, but today, adolescents are also diagnosed. This demographic shift is mainly due to the 'rich' lifestyle, characterized by consuming too much food, leading to excess energy, and insufficient exercise. This lifestyle also contributes to high rates of overweight and obesity.

The consumption of foods high in energy but low in nutrients, especially processed items, is rapidly increasing. Between 2000 and 2017, packaged and processed food consumption increased more than 10 times. These products often contain high salt, sugar, saturated, and trans fat content, which raise the risk of obesity, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular disease.

People receive free medical examinations at the National Health Day response program. Photo: Ministry of Health

Vietnamese people currently consume an average of about 8,1g of salt daily, nearly double the recommended level. Free sugar intake stands at 46,5g/day, significantly exceeding the safe threshold.

Doctor Hoang Thi Duc Ngan, Head of the Community Nutrition Department at the National Institute of Nutrition, stated that excessive salt intake contributes to hypertension, a primary risk factor for stroke and heart disease. Salt also damages kidneys by increasing pressure on micro-vessels, potentially causing chronic kidney disease. Experts emphasize that the problem's root extends beyond food to unhealthy habits: eating quickly, consuming salty foods, drinking many sugary beverages, being sedentary, and lacking nutritional knowledge.

The solution lies not in treatment but in prevention. Individuals need to actively adjust their diets, incorporating more green vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, while limiting salt, sugar, and processed foods. Reading nutrition labels is a key skill to manage calorie and ingredient intake.

Doctor Vu Quang Huy, from the Urology Department at the Central Endocrine Hospital, recommends regular health screenings, especially for those with chronic conditions needing frequent monitoring. Building a healthy lifestyle is also crucial, limiting risk factors such as stimulant use, tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy eating, and lack of physical activity. This basic step helps detect risks early and control diseases from the initial stage.

Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Thanh urged every citizen to start with small steps: maintain a healthy lifestyle, exercise daily, eat scientifically, and actively prevent diseases. She noted that the National Assembly is prioritizing the completion of health legislation, particularly in disease prevention and health insurance, to ensure fair and effective access to healthcare services for all.