HFSS Consumption and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

    Global lifestyle today is highly dependent on fast food to keep up with this bustling life. With growing urbanisation, scare availability of organic food items and people resorting to junk foods and vegetables heavy on pesticide residues. Industrialisation also contributed to mass production of packaged and processed foods with misleading buzzwords like, 'natural', 'healthy',etc but high in saturated fats, trans fats & LDL, etc posing health risks such as increased CVS diseases, obesity, hypertension, respiratory illnesses,etc. 

       Eatables high in HFSS posing risk of obesity not only leads to osteoarthritis, gout, sleep apnea, etc but also lowers self esteem and confidence. It is also associated with increased blood pressure, elevated blood cholesterol resulting in gallstones & kidney diseases. Diabetes and hypertension & several diseases is a common finding associated with today's lifestyle and food habits. 

       Need of the hour is motivation & education on 'what are we consuming?', 'what are it's implications on health?', 'what can be done?'. Also strict inspection of food items by FSSAI,y awareness campaigns & regular free health checkups by healthcare professionals, maintainance of a balanced and healthy diet is a necessity for a healthy life. 

References:

1) How lifestyle, daily routine affect blood sugar? //www.google.com/url? sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url= //www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-management/art-20047963&ved=2ahUKEwjM3u-gzbiMAxUxxjgGHT13JEUQFnoECBgQAQ&sqi=2&usg=AOvVaw11QmLMgJASKWTJHURlEdD

2) The impacts of junk food on health. //www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=//kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2022.694523&ved=2ahUKEwjVu9Ot3riMAxWXyDgGHYFQOzIQFnoECHQQAQ&usg=AOvVaw177hpDpEnNfMbixFnpAr6R

3) Healthy food vs unhealthy food-what is the difference? //www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=//www.carehospitals.com/blog-detail/healthy-food-vs-junk-food-all-you-need-to-know/&ved=2ahUKEwj3nK396biMAxUcZfUHHRA3FhUQFnoFCJcBEAE&usg=AOvVaw05UK8eziCDF55vvKRfWP6S

Urbanization, globalization, and growing living standards are all contributing factors to the nutrition transition, which is the departure from a traditional, nutrient-dense diet that is sourced locally to eating meals that are low in nutrients and heavy in calories (Bhat et al., 2024). The triple burden of malnutrition—undernutrition, hidden hunger (micronutrient deficiency), and overweight or obesity as a result of nutritional imbalance—is a complex issue brought on by these changes in eating patterns (Bhat et al., 2024).

Promoting wholesome eating habits and raising nutritional literacy among kids, parents, and caregivers should be the main goals. Additionally, the focus should be on controlling the marketing and availability of HFSS foods, particularly in the vicinity of school facilities, and on legislative measures to increase access to nutrient-dense diets. Furthermore, school-based interventions—like nutrition education programs and healthy school lunch initiatives—are essential for encouraging wholesome eating practices and mitigating the negative consequences of junk food intake. We can protect schoolchildren's nutritional status and general health by tackling these issues comprehensively, setting the groundwork for a healthy generation to come (Bhat et al., 2024).

                                                                          References

Bhat, P., P, M. B., Himasri, V., & Sairam, S. (2024). Trends of high fat, salt and sugar food consumption and its impact on nutritional status of school children. International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health, 11(9), 3575–3582. //doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20242561

The Government of India has started many programs, including the Fit India Movement, NP-NCD, POSHAN Abhiyaan, Eat Right India, and Khelo India, aiming to promote better nutrition, increased physical activity, and overall healthier lifestyles.

​The Press Information Bureau's "Towards a Fit and Healthy India: Combating Obesity Through Collective Action" addresses the escalating obesity crisis in India and its link to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension (1). The article highlights that unhealthy diets, particularly the consumption of foods high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS), along with sedentary lifestyles, are primary contributors to this growing public health challenge (2).

The National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development report recommends the following strategies:​

• Implementation of policies to limit the availability and marketing of HFSS foods within and around school premises.​
• Comprehensive nutrition and health education in school curricula to promote healthy eating habits among students.​
• Encourage the consumption of nutritious snacks by making them more accessible and appealing to children.​
• Engage parents, teachers, food industry representatives, and policymakers to create a supportive environment for healthy dietary practices (3).

References:

1. Towards a Fit and Healthy India: Combating Obesity Through Collective Action. (2025). Pib.gov.in. //pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2107179
2. ‌Non-Communicable diseases due to packaged and processed food. (2018). Pib.gov.in. //pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1524809
3. Report of Working Group on Addressing Consumption of Foods High in Fat, Salt and Sugar (HFSS) and Promotion of Healthy Snacks in Schools of India Prepared by Working Group Constituted by Ministry of Women and Child Development Government of India 2015. (n.d.). Retrieved April 5, 2025, from //www.nipccd.nic.in/file/reports/hfss.pdf

HFSS and UPFs(Ultra-Processed Foods) are strongly linked to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer (Gupta, 2024). ​UPFs are calorie-dense, nutritionally poor, and associated with weight gain, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction (Gupta, 2024). In India, 1 in 4 adults is obese or diabetic, with rising HFSS/UPF consumption exacerbating the NCD crisis (Gupta, 2024).

Advertising significantly influences consumer behavior, particularly among children and adolescents, leading to unhealthy dietary patterns (Scott et al., 2023; Gupta, 2024).In India, aggressive marketing of HFSS/UPFs targets children through TV ads, celebrity endorsements, and emotional appeals, displacing traditional diets (Gupta, 2024). The National Multisectoral Plan (NAMP) recommends measures such as front-of-pack labeling(FOPL), advertising bands and higher taxes on HFSS foods. However, implementation remains weak due to industry resistance and regulatory gaps(Gupta, 2024). Reducing the burden of HFSS/UPFs requires a multi-pronged approach involving stricter advertising regulations, public health campaigns, and robust policy implementation. ​

Gupta, A. ​ (2024). ​ Why there is a need to prioritize regulation of ultra-processed foods and HFSS foods in India? ​ Preventive Medicine Research Review, 1(1), 90-93. //doi.org/10.4103/PMRR.PMRR_59_23

Scott, L. J., Toumpakari, Z., Nobles, J., Sillero-Rejon, C., Jago, R., Cummins, S., Blake, S., Horwood, J., & de Vocht, F. (2023). ​ Assessing exposure to outdoor advertisement for products high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS); is self-reported exposure a useful exposure metric? ​ BMC Public Health, 23(1), 15567. //doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15567-1

The global rise in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity has increasingly been linked to the excessive consumption of HFSS (high-fat, salt, and sugar) foods. These dietary patterns are heavily influenced by the cultural and economic processes of globalisation, particularly through the phenomenon of McDonaldisation, a term coined by sociologist George Ritzer (2011).

McDonaldisation refers to the process by which the principles of fast-food restaurants—efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control—dominate more sectors of society, including food consumption. Fast-food chains like McDonald's have become symbols of this cultural shift, promoting convenience and uniformity at the cost of nutritional quality. As these chains expand globally, they often displace traditional, healthier diets with ultra-processed, HFSS-laden alternatives (Monteiro et al., 2018).

The proliferation of HFSS foods contributes directly to the growing burden of NCDs. These foods are typically energy-dense but nutrient-poor, fostering poor dietary habits from an early age (Swinburn et al., 2011). Moreover, aggressive marketing strategies—especially towards children—further entrench HFSS consumption in daily life, reinforcing the McDonaldisation cycle (WHO, 2016).

Addressing the NCD crisis requires dismantling the socio-economic structures that promote HFSS foods. This involves not only regulating marketing and food composition but also challenging the cultural normalization of fast-food consumption embedded in McDonaldisation. A shift towards local, minimally processed foods and sustainable food systems is vital for reversing these health trends.

References:

Ritzer, G. (2011). The McDonaldization of society (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Monteiro, C. A., Cannon, G., Moubarac, J.-C., Levy, R. B., Louzada, M. L. C., & Jaime, P. C. (2017). The UN Decade of Nutrition, the NOVA food classification and the trouble with ultra-processing. Public Health Nutrition, 21(1), 5–17. //doi.org/10.1017/s1368980017000234

‌Swinburn, B. A., Sacks, G., Hall, K. D., McPherson, K., Finegood, D. T., Moodie, M. L., & Gortmaker, S. L. (2011). The global obesity pandemic: shaped by global drivers and local environments. The Lancet, 378(9793), 804–814. //doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(11)60813-1

‌World Health Organization. (2016). Tackling food marketing to children in a digital world: Trans-disciplinary perspectives. //www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241510066

The evidence on the link between consumption of HFSS foods and increased risk and incidence of certain diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers as well as contributing to high levels of obesity both for children and adults. The literature below provides descriptive insights into the interplay among the same.  

//www.academia.edu/34700378/Health_impact_of_high_fat_sugar_and_salt_HFSS_and_poor_nutrition_foods

The Increasing Consumption of High-Fat, Sugar, and Salt (HFSS) Foods and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD): A Global and Indian Perspective. Unfortunately, most people in increasingly populated cities consume a lot of processed foods made chiefly of HFSS foods, including fried snack items, artificially sweetened drinks, and fast foods. These unhealthy nutrients, not processed, produced in industries, are independent sources of chronic diseases. Reports by international sources, including The Guardian and The New Indian Express, reveal that organized ultraprocessed foods carry an increased incidence of suffering myocardial infarction and stroke, and metabolic disorders. In India, the data show a sharp increase in per capita sugar, salt, and fat consumption over the last few decades. The factors behind this nutrition transition are urbanization, lifestyles, and marketing promotion of HFSS products, especially directed at children and adolescents. Thus, there has been a tremendous increase in obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease even among the younger population. The study, therefore, suggests comprehensive policy interventions through public health education campaigns, besides stringent regulations on the marketing of HFSS foods, especially in children, and improved food labeling for making consumer choices. Alongside these will be fiscal measures, such as taxing sugary drinks and unhealthy items to discourage excessive consumption. These prompt a call for action in a coordinated response from the group of government, health professionals, and the food industry to mitigate the dangers caused by high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt food consumption and replace these with ideal eating patterns. 

//books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=Q9muEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA3&dq=%22High+intake%22+OF+Fat+and+Sugar+AND+salt++Consumption%22+AND+%22Non-Communicable+Diseases%22+&ots=crfA8FqiL6&sig=TJMeR-mj0x-mNYZKbmSyd9Ds1Nc   

Urbanization, changing lifestyles, and aggressive marketing by the food industry have normalized HFSS consumption. This is particularly concerning in low- and middle-income countries, where the double burden of malnutrition—under-nutrition coexisting with over-nutrition—is becoming the norm. India is witnessing a surge in NCDs, accounting for around 63% of total deaths (MoHFW, 2021). HFSS food consumption, especially among urban youth, is increasing due to rising incomes, fast-food chains, and a shift away from traditional diets. The National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21) reported rising obesity rates, particularly among adolescents and women. Studies show Indian schoolchildren consume packaged foods and sugary beverages more frequently than ever before, influenced heavily by advertising and digital media (Gupta et al., 2021). In response, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed front-of-pack nutrition labeling and dietary guidelines for schools. Campaigns like “Eat Right India” aim to promote healthier food environments. However, regulatory enforcement remains weak, and junk food continues to be widely accessible and affordable.

References: 

Gupta, N., Goel, K., Shah, P., & Misra, A. (2021). Childhood obesity in developing countries: Epidemiology, determinants, and prevention. Endocrine Reviews, 43(1), 26–36. //doi.org/10.1210/endrev/bnab026

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). (2021). National Multisectoral Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Common NCDs (2017–2022). //main.mohfw.gov.in

World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Noncommunicable diseases. //www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/noncommunicable-diseases

High in Fat, Sugar, and Salt (HFSS) foods are a major contributor to the global rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. These foods are typically energy-dense but low in nutritional value, and their regular consumption is linked to poor metabolic health. Studies, including those by Imamura et al. (2015), have shown a strong link between sugary drink consumption and increased diabetes risk, while high salt and fat intake are tied to hypertension and heart disease.

Children are particularly vulnerable due to aggressive marketing, which fosters unhealthy habits early in life. Policies such as sugar taxes and front-of-pack labeling have proven effective in reducing HFSS consumption. For example, Mexico’s soda tax led to a noticeable drop in sugary drink purchases, especially among low-income groups (Colchero et al., 2017). To curb the growing NCD burden, reducing HFSS food intake through education, policy, and environmental changes is essential for promoting long-term public health.

References: 

• Imamura, F., O'Connor, L., Ye, Z., Mursu, J., Hayashino, Y., Bhupathiraju, S. N., & Forouhi, N. G. (2015). Consumption of sugar sweetened beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, and fruit juice and incidence of type 2 diabetes: systematic review, meta-analysis, and estimation of population attributable fraction. BMJ, 351, h3576. //doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h3576

• Colchero, M. A., Rivera-Dommarco, J., Popkin, B. M., & Ng, S. W. (2017). In Mexico, evidence of sustained consumer response two years after implementing a sugar-sweetened beverage tax. Health Affairs, 36(3), 564–571. //doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2016.1231

• World Health Organization (WHO). (2016). Report of the Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity. Geneva: WHO. //www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241510066

• World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Noncommunicable diseases. //www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/noncommunicable-diseases

High fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) food have become a key driver of the global epidemic of non-communicable disease (NCD), such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and some cancers. These ultra-processed food products are generally high in energy but nutrients wise deficient and lead to the adoption of unhealthy dietary patterns. As the trend of consumption increases throughout the world – especially in low and middle-income countries – the public health ramifications has become more pressing. Mechanisms that connect HFSS foods to NCDs -HFSS foods lead to NCDs in various biological and behavioral ways: Caloric Surplus & Adiposity: Overconsumption, weight gain and obesity are caused by high energy density. Metabolic Disruption: Surplus sugar and saturated fats diminish insulin’s sensitivity increasing chances of Type 2 diabetes. Cardiovascular Stress: High sodium intake leads to hypertension and other cardiovascular occurrences. Systemic Inflammation: HFSS diets induce a chronic low-grade inflammation associated with numerous non communicable diseases. Microbiota Dysbiosis: Ultra-processed foods may alter the gut microbiota to the extent they promote the development of metabolic syndrome.  Key Risk Associations In several studies, it is strongly associated with the consumption of HFSS and ultra-processed foods the following NCDs include: Obesity & Overweight Related through high odds ratios in systematic reviews and national cohort studies. Type 2 Diabetes & Insulin Resistance In correlation with high glycemic loads and insulin surges from sugar drinks and snacks. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Associated with high sodium intake, saturated/ trans fats and sugar intake. Cancer (e.g., breast, colorectal) Maybe associated with additives, packaging chemicals (such as endocrine disruptors), and chronic inflammation. Depression & Mental Health Disorders New evidence indicates that diet has an impact on mood and cognition through inflammatory and neurochemical pathways.

Conclusion -HFSS foods greatly increase the risk of non communicable disease through increasing the prevalence of obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular complications, and in some cases, mental health disorders. Both population-level data and systematic review findings indicate the need for rapid dietary and policy interventions to slow this emerging public health threat.

References

1.Thapsuwan, S., Phulkerd, S., Chamratrithirong, A., Gray, R. S., Jindarattanaporn, N., Loyfah, N., Thongcharoenchupong, N., & Pattaravanich, U. (2024). Relationship between consumption of high fat, sugar or sodium (HFSS) food and obesity and non-communicable diseases. BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health.  //doi.org/10.1136/bmjnph-2023-000794.

2.Lane, M., Davis, J. A., Beattie, S., Gómez-Donoso, C., Loughman, A., O'Neil, A., Jacka, F. N., Berk, M., Page, R. S., Marx, W., & Rocks, T. (2021). Ultraprocessed food and chronic noncommunicable diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 43 observational studies. Obesity Reviews, 22(3), e13146. //doi.org/10.1111/obr.13146.

3.Matos, R. A., Adams, M., & Sabaté, J. (2021). The Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods and Non-communicable Diseases in Latin America. Frontiers in Nutrition, 8, 622714. //doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.622714

With the global rise in obesity and related non-communicable diseases (NCDs), there is growing concern over the role of diets high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS). A 2024 study published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health examined the relationship between HFSS food consumption and the prevalence of obesity and NCDs in Thailand. Analyzing data from 74,894 individuals aged 15 and above from the 2021 Health Behaviour of Population Survey, the researchers found significant associations between the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, high-fat foods, and snacks with increased odds of obesity. Conversely, consumption of meat products, instant food, and fast food showed a protective association against obesity and NCDs. Notably, individuals with diabetes and heart disease tended to avoid sugar-sweetened beverages and snacks. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health strategies to promote healthy eating behaviors and address the rising burden of NCDs.

References

The global rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has drawn increasing attention to the role of diet, particularly the consumption of foods high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS), in shaping health outcomes. A recent in-depth analysis of national survey data involving over 74,000 individuals in Thailand has revealed a strong association between the frequent consumption of HFSS foods and the growing prevalence of obesity and NCDs. The study found that nearly 30% of the population was classified as obese, with significant associations between obesity and the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, fatty foods, and snacks. Interestingly, individuals already diagnosed with NCDs such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases tended to reduce their intake of these products, suggesting some level of dietary behavior change after diagnosis. These findings emphasize the urgent need for public health strategies to curb HFSS food consumption as a preventive measure against the rising burden of NCDs.

References: Thapsuwan, S., Phulkerd, S., Chamratrithirong, A., & et al. (2024). Relationship between consumption of high fat, sugar or sodium (HFSS) food and obesity and non-communicable diseases. BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, 0, e000794. //doi.org/10.1136/bmjnph-2023-000794

Fiscal policies as a tool for Health promotion
The rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India is driven largely by poor dietary habits and increasing consumption of foods high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS). Innovative public health interventions, such as a health tax on HFSS foods, could reduce their consumption among more price-sensitive populations. Health outcomes can also be improved by reducing the consumption of HFSS foods.
Such policies can also generate revenue that can be reinvested into health promotion and education for NCD management. However, the economic implications of such taxes on on low-income groups and HFSS industries cannot be ignored. Mitigating unintended consequences will be critical to ensure that the policy is equitable and sustainable.

Varghese, B., Panicker, R., Mukhopadhyay, D., Backholer, K., Sethi, V., de Wagt, A., Murira, Z., Bhatia, N., & Arora, M. (2024). Estimating the potential impact of a health tax on the demand for unhealthy food and beverages and on tax revenue in India. Health policy and planning, 39(3), 299–306. //doi.org/10.1093/heapol/czad117