The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately half the world's population is now protected against industrially manufactured trans fats.
According to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, 53 nations have enacted successful measures like trans fat bans and limitations, helping 3.7 billion people, or 46% of the world population. "These policies are expected to save 183,000 lives every year. Just five years ago, only 6% of the world's population was protected from this toxic additive with similar policies," he remarked, according to VOA.
Trans fat, formed by hydrogenating vegetable oil, poses severe health risks, solidifying in both products and the body's coronary arteries. Tom Frieden, president and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives, highlighted the prior estimation of half a million annual fatalities linked to trans fat consumption.
(Photo : FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Image)
World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus speaks at a press conference on the World Health Organization's 75th anniversary in Geneva, on April 6, 2023.
Trans fat, found in margarine, palm oil, fried meals, baked goods, pastries, and other processed foods, increases the risk of mortality from any cause by 34% and coronary heart disease by 28%, according to the WHO. Eliminating trans fat might save 17.5 million lives in 25 years, per estimates.
Five Model Countries Honored
Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand were recognized by the WHO for their commitment to eliminating trans fat from their food sources via regulations and monitoring. Frieden hopes that other countries will follow their lead in addressing the problem.
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The Danish Ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Ib Petersen, revealed that Denmark's policies helped bring down coronary heart disease rates by 11%, Citizen Digital reported. Petersen emphasized the positive impact on financially disadvantaged groups. Notably cardiovascular diseases, responsible for 17.9 million global deaths in 2019, making trans fat elimination crucial.
Tom Frieden asserted that removing trans fats is economically and politically viable, saving lives without significant costs. Frieden cautioned countries lacking regulations about becoming trans fat "dumping grounds."
An Enduring Fight Against Trans Fat
Research in the 1950s began revealing the impact of trans fats on elevated blood lipid levels (cholesterol), marking the early stages of understanding potential harm, per Health News. Throughout the 1990s, subsequent studies consistently demonstrated adverse effects, such as increased inflammation and damage to the blood vessel lining (endothelium).
The early 2000s saw US labeling legislation require trans fat transparency. The outcomes led the FDA to ban partially hydrogenated oils in 2018, responding to trans fat health risks in the food business. The regulation of non-natural trans fats in the US has reduced the incidence of coronary heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Experts advise checking grocery store nutrition labels as an ideal way to avoid trans fats. In the ingredient list, look for trans fat-containing partially-hydrogenated oils. A Health article also recommend that, when dining out, check the restaurant's website or inquire about what oil they cook with.
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