Declining public health in Vietnam: Impact of poor nutrition and inactivity

People in Western countries are slowly becoming more aware of their health. Even though fast food consumption and poor eating habits remain relatively high and are projected to continue rising, many people are incorporating more physical activity and healthier food choices into their daily lives. Statistics show that unhealthy eating and other poor habits are more common among adolescents from lower-income families. However, as they age, the situation appears to improve, with a noticeable increase in health awareness among adults.

Unfortunately, the opposite trend is occurring in Vietnam. Sometimes, it seems that being able to afford a Western-style fast food diet is associated with higher social status. Conventional fast-food chains are often viewed as a luxury, which exacerbates the problem. This is purely speculative based on observation, but it makes sense. The average price of a bowl of pho or com tam—both considered street/fast foods due to their quick preparation and availability—is significantly lower than that of a burger and fries at a Western-style fast food restaurant. However, the nutritional value of a freshly prepared bowl of pho with plain, unsweetened green tea is far superior to that of a typical Western fast-food meal. While fast food in Western countries is often regarded as cheap and unhealthy, in Vietnam, it can be perceived as a luxury.

Research suggests that while European adolescents still favor fast food, European adults are gradually shifting toward a more health-conscious lifestyle. In contrast, poor dietary choices in Vietnam are increasing among children, teenagers, and adults—a concerning trend that could create a difficult-to-break cycle. Combined with aggressive junk food marketing, this poses a significant risk to public health.

Health trends in Vietnam

A study by the College of Health Sciences at VinUniversity, Hanoi, indicates significant improvements in overall health and life expectancy due to urbanization and economic development. This progress is primarily due to efforts in combating communicable diseases (CDs), which were historically the leading cause of mortality. Between 1990 and 2017, life expectancy in Vietnam increased by 6.5 years for women (reaching 79.2 years) and 5 years for men (reaching 70 years). While these improvements are notable, rapid urbanization and economic growth have also introduced negative health consequences.

The rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)

Although advancements in healthcare have benefited the elderly—many of whom maintain traditional and balanced Vietnamese diets—the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has become a major concern. NCDs, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, are now the leading cause of both morbidity and mortality in Vietnam. Estimates indicate that between 73% and 80% of all deaths in the country are due to NCDs. Diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate and is projected to nearly double in prevalence by 2030 compared to 2010.

Rising cholesterol levels

Similar trends are observed in LDL cholesterol levels. While precise increases over the past two decades are not widely documented, research shows a significant rise in hypercholesterolemia among urban populations. In 2022, nearly 44.3% of urban adults in Vietnam had high cholesterol, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. This increase is linked to lifestyle changes, including greater consumption of fast food, reduced physical activity, and a more sedentary lifestyle. Addressing this growing issue requires greater public awareness of nutrition and lifestyle modifications.

Obesity and overweight trends

Obesity and overweight rates are rising across all age groups in Vietnam, particularly among children, teenagers, and urban adults. A 2023 study published in INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing found that overweight and obesity rates among children aged 5 to 19 increased dramatically between 2010 and 2020. Overweight prevalence rose from 8.5% to 19% (a 123.5% increase), while obesity rates surged from 2.5% to 8.1% (a 224% increase). In urban areas, the combined rate of overweight and obesity reached 26.8% in 2020, compared to 18.3% in rural areas and only 6.9% in mountainous regions. Older studies suggest that abdominal obesity among adults has also risen sharply since the early 2000s, and current trends indicate these numbers may be even higher today.

A major contributing factor is the lack of physical activity. Research from Stanford University indicates that Vietnamese adults average only 3,643 steps per day—well below the global average of 5,000 steps and far from the recommended 10,000. This places Vietnam among the most sedentary countries in the world. A survey by the Ministry of Health found that 70% of adult Vietnamese do not engage in any form of exercise, and office workers walk an average of just 600 steps per day. Physical inactivity is also prevalent among children and adolescents. A report card on physical activity found that approximately 87% of Vietnamese adolescents do not meet recommended activity levels, with only a small percentage engaging in at least 60 minutes of exercise on five or more days per week.

To put this into perspective, compare historical and modern images of Vietnamese children. Photos from the 1980s or 1990s show very few overweight individuals, whereas a quick visit to a public school today would likely reveal a much different picture.

The role of addiction in unhealthy lifestyles

While this discussion primarily focuses on nutrition, it is important to acknowledge that unhealthy behaviors often stem from addiction-like tendencies. Poor dietary habits are often intertwined with other compulsive behaviors, such as excessive smartphone use and social media consumption. These behaviors activate the brain’s dopamine reward system, reinforcing unhealthy habits in a manner similar to substance addiction.

Research suggests that both junk food and social media function as “superstimuli,” offering heightened sensory experiences that surpass natural rewards. This effect makes them highly addictive, particularly for young people whose brains are still developing and are highly susceptible to learning and behavioral conditioning. For example, the quick dopamine hits from scrolling through social media are similar to those triggered by consuming sugary, processed foods.

One particularly alarming trend is the rise in energy drink consumption among children. The combination of high caffeine and sugar content is likely to have significant negative health effects.

A study conducted by the University of Education in Hue found that 99.9% of 950 high school students surveyed across six different schools in central Vietnam exhibited symptoms of nomophobia—an irrational fear of being without their mobile phone. Meanwhile, a 2016 survey by Q&Me in Ho Chi Minh City found that 71% of respondents enjoyed fast food, with 47% being regular consumers. Although these studies rely on relatively small sample sizes, they highlight concerning trends that should not be ignored.

Conclusion

Both junk food and excessive smartphone use share similar neurobiological pathways, reinforcing addictive behaviors that are particularly harmful to young people. If these early addictions are not addressed, they could have severe consequences for both mental and physical health in the coming years. It is crucial to recognize that marketing experts behind junk food, sugary drinks, and social media platforms are highly skilled at fostering dependency. Their goal is to make consumers addicted, and they are exceptionally effective at doing so.

Public awareness, policy changes, and education will be essential in reversing these alarming trends. If not, Vietnam may face a future where non-communicable diseases, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles become an even greater public health crisis.

Sources

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