ISLAMABAD: Public health advocates have called for clear front-of-package warning labels on packaged food products to help consumers identify items high in unhealthy nutrients, as Pakistan continues to face a significant diabetes burden.
According to estimates for 2024, around 34.5 million adults in Pakistan were living with diabetes, with an age-standardized prevalence of 31.4%, highlighting the need for stronger preventive measures and healthier dietary choices.
Health advocates, including the Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH), have emphasized that clear warning labels on the front of food packaging can help consumers quickly identify products containing excessive amounts of sugar, sodium and other nutrients of concern.
Such labels can enable people to make informed purchasing decisions without having to interpret complex nutritional information printed on the back of packages.
Excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and foods high in added sugars, combined with unhealthy dietary patterns and physical inactivity, can contribute to obesity and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Public health experts stress that accessible and understandable nutritional information is an important component of efforts to prevent non-communicable diseases and encourage healthier lifestyles.
They have urged policymakers to consider evidence-based food labelling measures alongside public awareness campaigns to help consumers understand the health implications of their food choices.
Health advocates maintain that empowering people with clear information at the point of purchase can support healthier eating habits and contribute to reducing the long-term burden of diabetes and other diet-related diseases in Pakistan.