Busting diet myths: Why Nigerians need nutrition education — Expert

Across Nigeria today, from the bustling streets of Lagos to the rural communities of Zamfara, more people are making food choices based on what they see on social media, hear from friends, or are told by self-proclaimed health experts.

Detox teas, juice cleanses, high-protein diets, weight-loss plans, among others, are becoming popular, not due to scientific evidence supporting them, but simply because they are currently trendy.

Unfortunately, many of these diet fads are grounded in misinformation, and the consequences are becoming alarmingly clear.

According to data from the 2021 Nigeria Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), merely 31% of children aged 6 to 23 months achieve a minimum acceptable diet.

Meanwhile, metropolitan areas are seeing a continuous increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity, notably amongst adult populations.

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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease—now account for nearly 28% percent of all deaths in Nigeria.

These are no longer “Western” problems; they are Nigerian realities, fueled in part by a lack of accurate nutrition knowledge.

A nutrition expert and PhD Candidate at the Utah State University, USA, Oluyemisi Akinsola, raised concerns that the situation is made worse by the severe shortage of qualified professionals.

She also lamented that Nigeria has inadequate trained nutritionists/dietitians to an average population, a figure that falls far short of global recommendations.

“This shortage means that most people are left to fend for themselves when making nutrition options, often turning to social media influencers, friends, or self-proclaimed experts for guidance.”

“Nutrition is rarely part of our everyday conversations in schools, communities, or even health clinics.

“Unlike mathematics or biology, nutrition education is not systematically taught in classrooms.

“Children grow up with limited understanding of basic concepts such as balanced diets, food groups, or how to read a nutrition label.

As grown-ups, they still fall prey to dietary misconceptions that can result in adverse health consequences.

Adding to these difficulties is the present economic atmosphere, characterized by a significant and broad increase in food costs.

As per the December 2024 Selected Food Price Watch report, the average price of food items increased by 91.6% compared to the previous year, rising from ₦1,524.63 in December 2023 to ₦2,920.13 in December 2024.

“Staple foods were particularly affected, with brown beans (1kg) recording the highest price hike of 187.29%, increasing from ₦870.67 to ₦2,501.32. Onion bulbs (1kg) also rose significantly by 111.74%, reaching ₦2,057.81 from ₦971.86 the previous year.”

“Other essentials such as local rice, beef, and palm oil also experienced notable increases, all contributing to the overall strain on household food budgets.”

“This sharp escalation in food costs makes it increasingly difficult for many Nigerians to afford nutritious foods, pushing them toward cheaper, less healthy alternatives and raising concerns about food security and dietary quality.

In his continued statement, Akinsola emphasized that for Nigeria to achieve significant advancements in addressing both undernutrition and the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, it is crucial to prioritize nutrition education.

She added that schools should integrate age-appropriate food and health topics into their curriculum so that the next generation can make informed choices.

Radio, television, and social media public health campaigns ought to be employed to combat misleading tendencies by providing scientifically supported data, presented in locally understood languages and culturally appropriate styles.

Government bodies like NAFDAC and the Federal Ministry of Health also have a part to contribute.

They need to increase their attempts at regulating inaccurate health assertions, particularly on the internet, as misinformation circulates quickly there.

Simultaneously, funds should be allocated to educate and distribute more dietitians throughout all regional administrations, guaranteeing that populations can obtain precise, scientifically supported guidance.

As readers, each of us has a role to fulfill. When you consider following the newest diet fad or purchasing the upcoming "weight-loss tea," question whether it’s supported by evidence. Consider who is endorsing it and their qualifications. Approach with skepticism. Distribute only confirmed information.

Motivate your acquaintances and loved ones to consult with certified dietitians or nutrition experts whenever they have worries regarding their eating habits.

Proper nutrition forms the basis of good health and overall wellbeing. Without accurate knowledge, even our finest aims might steer us in the incorrect direction.

"As Nigeria faces the challenges of malnutrition, obesity, and increasing non-communicable diseases, we should focus on truth rather than fads. Now is the moment for genuine nutritional education," she emphasized.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

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