13 January 2008

Dubai/Fujairah/Abu Dhabi: It came as a surprise that in an age where a lot of talk is on organic food and the ill effects of junk food, the residents of the UAE said that junk food is too much of a temptation.

According to a recently published worldwide survey on weight issues, about 60 per cent of UAE residents are weight conscious and are willing to give up fast food.

The survey also showed that respondents from the UAE are among the top users of weight loss products, such as meal replacements, weight-loss drugs and gym memberships.

A third said they use home exercise equipment to lose weight, while 22 per cent said they regularly take weight measurement.

No matter how many times you heard health experts warn on its disadvantages to your health, the aroma of French fries and chicken wings are mouth watering and are here stay.

City Talk took to the streets and asked residents whether they can do without junk food, and if they thought it was bad for their health.

Shaikh Surfraz, 24, a sales executive from India, said: "I don't eat junk food too often, just sometimes when I'm out with friends or family we just find the nearest eatery and don't think about it too much."

He said he was aware that such kinds of food is unhealthy, and tries to avoid it as much as possible, "but sometimes you find you have little option especially for single guys living away from the family."

Reem Sabbah, 22-year- old Emirati student, said she only eats it twice a month. "Earlier I used to have it often, but then I visited the United States for a month and noticed how health conscious they are. When I came back not only did I miss Arabic food but I realised that I could be much healthier if I eat healthy.

"I noticed that junk food gives me instant energy but makes me very tired after a while," she said, adding that it is better to switch to healthy eating habits because fatty and oily food affect your physical well being and appearance.

Yul Tuozo, 27, a Filipino medical technologist, who eats junk food once a month, said: "I seldom eat it and the main reason is because I don't like it. I think it's very bad for health."

Mubasshir Irfanshah, 28, an interior designer from India, said: "[Junk food] has become a routine because I tend to eat it in the weekends. I know it's unhealthy, but think that it won't cause a lot of harm if you eat it in moderation and do not get used to it."

Abdullah Al Mu'ti, 25, an electrician from Morocco, said he eats junk food on the odd occasion even though it's unhealthy. "I think I can get away with it, though, because I'm still in good shape physically and I often only take small portions anyway.

"I try to cook at home as much as possible and I only eat out if it's necessary. I also make an effort in choosing a clean and trustworthy eatery and not just eat anywhere."

Filipina Aissa Tan, 31, merchandiser at a retail company, said: "I eat junk food twice a week and it has definitely turned into a routine. I can't do without it because I don't know how to cook and have a busy work schedule. Even though it's unhealthy, I feel like I don't have any choice because I am always eating outside and there isn't much variety to choose from."

Mohammad Aftab, a Indian senior IT officer, 27, said: "I enjoy eating junk food once or twice a week. I know it isn't that great for my health so I opt for vegetarian meals at times to compensate. I think these days fast food chains have modified their menus to cater to heath conscious people."

Amr Khalid Barakat, 15, a student from Egypt, said he eats so much junk food that he once won a prize from a local fast-food outlet for the best customer.

"I eat junk food almost every other day when I'm out with friends or sometimes I order it at home, I love it too much. I know such food is not healthy but ... I don't think about it a lot."

Lyall Crawford, 66, American college professor, said: "I never have junk food and never go into any of those popular fast food chains. Even when I was back in the United States I used to be the same way. Fast food menus mostly have non-vegetarian items and as I'm a vegetarian, I think that helps too."

Sri Lankan housewife Dilini Manohari, 28, said: "I go to junk food restaurants once a week and don't think I can do without it because I get tired from cooking all the time and need a break. I like to unwind in the weekends and find it very easy to buy something quickly."

Ahmad Sami, 15, an Egyptian student, said: "I eat a lot of junk food during the holidays. It has become a part of my routine and I seem to spend a lot of money doing it. I know junk food is not completely healthy, but I really don't know enough about the health risks and so just ignore the issue completely."

Anne Sajeev, 38, a Indian microbiologist, said: "I think its the easy availability of a huge variety of junk food that is responsible for the very fast growing population of obese people. Junk food has become a trend and I for one am convinced that eating right will help you achieve a healthy body.

"I am also teaching my children the importance of healthy eating because they are the ones facing the temptations to make the wrong choices each day."

Gulf News 2008. All rights reserved.