For many Nigerians, food is not just a necessity — it’s a celebration.
From steaming bowls of pounded yam and egusi to late-night suya runs, eating is a national pastime. But beneath the love for good food lies a silent crisis: Nigerians are eating themselves into early graves.
According to the Nigerian Heart Foundation, one in three Nigerian adults has high blood pressure, often linked to excessive salt and oil consumption.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that obesity and diabetes are rising fast, fueled by processed foods and sugary drinks. Yet, we continue indulging, telling ourselves, "Man must chop!"
Take 45-year-old Mr. Adewale, a businessman in Lagos. For years, he enjoyed heavy meals late at night, washed down with soft drinks. When he suffered a heart attack last year, doctors blamed his diet.
“I never thought food could harm me,” he admitted. His story is not unique—hospitals are filling up with young people battling lifestyle diseases that were once considered rare.
But it’s not just about what we eat—it’s also about how little we move.
Modern jobs demand long hours sitting, and with worsening traffic, exercise feels impossible. The result? A health time bomb.
Some Nigerians are waking up. Fitness centers are growing, and health campaigns are gaining traction. But is it enough? If we don’t take control of our eating habits, our love for food may become the very thing that kills us.
