Expert Warns Of Chronic Disease Surge From Processed Foods

A Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr. Olubisi Ojurongbe has attributed the growing prevalence of chronic illnesses to unhealthy lifestyles and the increasing consumption of processed foods.

Dr. Ojurongbe stated this while delivering a lecture at the First Baptist Church, Keffi, during the Church’s Baptist Health Week.

He said many of the diseases affecting people today were uncommon among previous generations because they consumed fresh, natural foods and maintained healthier lifestyles.

The consultant explained that modern diets, characterised by processed foods, refined sugar, preservatives and frozen products, have contributed significantly to the rise in non-communicable diseases.

According to him, many frozen food products spend weeks or even months in storage and transportation before reaching consumers, thereby reducing their nutritional value.

Dr. Ojurongbe urged Nigerians to embrace healthier living by returning to natural diets and adopting lifestyle practises that promote good health.

He  advocated healthy eating, regular physical exercise, positive social relationships, avoidance of harmful substances, as well as effective stress and mental health management.

The medical expert also noted that God’s original design for humanity, as contained in the biblical account of creation, promotes wholesome living through natural foods, productive work and responsible stewardship of the environment.

Dr. Ojurongbe stressed that adopting these healthy lifestyle practises would help reduce the burden of preventable diseases and improve the overall well-being of the people.

The 2026 Baptist Health week theme “Lifestyle Medicine”, featured questions and answers on how best one can live a better life .

Florence Adewale