Nutritionist Warns Poor Eating Habits Could Fuel Lifestyle Diseases

By nelsonkornelius Aug 25, 2026

Registered Nutritionist Matheus Hamukwaya

Namibians need to pay greater attention to what they eat, as poor dietary habits could increase the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, nutritionist Matheus Hamukwaya has warned.

Speaking in a telephonic interview with The Updated World, Hamukwaya said nutrition remains one of the most powerful and modifiable tools available for preventing non-communicable diseases.

Advertisements

He said many Namibians still do not fully understand the importance of proper nutrition, resulting in unhealthy eating habits across communities.

“Namibians don’t know the importance of nutrition.

Most of them are eating food that they are not supposed to eat, while others are not eating the food that they are supposed to eat,” Hamukwaya said.

He said improving everyday eating habits could significantly reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases and should form part of broader preventive healthcare efforts.

According to Hamukwaya, diets rich in fibre, whole grains, vegetables, fruit and lean protein can help maintain healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

He said reducing salt intake can also help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke.

On the other hand, Hamukwaya warned that diets high in sugar, refined starches, salt and unhealthy fats can contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

He described improved eating habits as one of the most cost-effective approaches to disease prevention, saying people should not wait until they develop a chronic illness before taking their nutrition seriously.

Hamukwaya said greater nutritional awareness is therefore needed to help Namibians understand what foods they should consume more often and which foods should be limited.

He believes nutrition education should form part of efforts to prevent disease, particularly as the country continues to face concerns around non-communicable diseases.

The nutritionist also highlighted the importance of proper nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding, saying women have increased nutritional requirements during these stages.

He said pregnant and breastfeeding women need adequate amounts of energy, protein, iron, folate, calcium and iodine to support their own health and the healthy development of their babies.

Hamukwaya recommended that meals for pregnant and breastfeeding women include a variety of protein sources, vegetables, fruits and whole grains.

He also advised women to take iron and folic acid supplements where these are recommended by a health worker.

“Adequate hydration and avoiding alcohol are also important,” he said.

Hamukwaya further stressed the importance of breastfeeding during the first months of a child’s life.

He said exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months provides infants with an important nutritional foundation and should be followed by continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods.

According to Hamukwaya, this approach supports the child’s growth and development while also contributing to the mother’s recovery and health.

He said nutrition should not only be considered when someone is already sick, but should form part of everyday health practices.

Hamukwaya argued that better nutrition could help prevent illness before people require medical treatment, potentially reducing pressure on the healthcare system.

He said communities need greater access to accurate nutrition information so that individuals can make informed decisions about their diets.

For Hamukwaya, addressing poor eating habits requires both individual responsibility and stronger public awareness.

He believes nutritionists have an important role to play in educating communities, supporting patients and promoting healthier lifestyles.

He said investing in nutrition education and preventive services could help Namibia tackle both malnutrition and the growing burden of diet-related non-communicable diseases.

Hamukwaya’s message is that healthy eating should not be viewed as a temporary response to illness, but as an essential part of maintaining good health throughout a person’s life.