FOMO over viral foods linked to growing health concerns, experts say

OBSESSION with viral sweet foods, poor nutrition and unhealthy eating habits driven by fear of missing out (FOMO) are emerging as serious concerns that need urgent attention.

School teacher Kartika Abd Kahar, 30, said some people were overly influenced by food trends on social media without considering their own health, contributing to a rise in obesity rates.

She said the situation became worse as some individuals rarely exercised to burn calories after eating.

As a Science teacher, Kartika said there was nothing wrong with enjoying viral foods available on the market, but moderation was important.

“I strongly agree that society today experiences FOMO over viral foods. I am no exception, but we need to be moderate.

“Especially for me as a teacher, students are easily exposed to unhealthy foods through social media.

“I think as a society, we all need to make wiser decisions about which foods are good for our health. If we eat a lot, we must exercise afterwards so we do not become obese or risk dying at a young age,” she told Sinar Harian on Monday.

Meanwhile, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bandar Baru Sentul teacher P Renukha Devi, 26, admitted that obesity was once associated mainly with older people, but that perception was no longer relevant as younger generations were also facing the issue.

She added that fast food was becoming more popular compared to nutrient-rich meals.

Renukha suggested that the food pyramid system, long used as a health reference, should place greater emphasis on protein instead of carbohydrates, especially for teenagers and children.

“Protein is very important, while excessive carbohydrates without exercise will turn into fat and eventually lead to obesity.

“Parents and teachers must play a role in guiding young people, teaching them to exercise and educating them on balanced eating habits,” she said.

Videographer Muhammad Aiman Irfan Zaidi, 24, acknowledged that lack of exercise and increasingly busy lifestyles were among the main causes of weight problems, as many people had little time for recreational activities while also practising unhealthy eating habits.

He said the issue raised serious long-term concerns as illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease often developed without warning.

“I believe awareness about healthy lifestyles needs to be strengthened from a young age.

“It should serve as a reminder that diseases can appear without us realising it,” he said.

He advised people to begin exercising with small steps, while reducing sugar intake, eating in moderation and exercising for at least 30 minutes daily.

“Society, including myself, needs to be more aware of maintaining good health from an early stage,” he added.