{"id":206351,"date":"2026-04-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rohsi.org\/?p=206351"},"modified":"2026-03-03T23:28:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T23:28:32","slug":"the-silent-killer-on-our-mens-plates-addressing-the-trans-fat-crisis-in-ibadan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rohsi.org\/?p=206351","title":{"rendered":"The Silent Killer on Our Men’s Plates: Addressing the Trans Fat Crisis in Ibadan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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In the bustling markets and vibrant streets of Ibadan, a silent health crisis is unfolding, one that directly threatens the lives of our men. As an organisation based here in Oyo State, we are on the front line of the battle against non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly hypertension and diabetes. Every day, we witness a disturbing trend: today, men\u2014especially young adults with bright futures, careers, and families\u2014are dying daily from preventable health issues directly linked to the consumption of trans fats.<\/p>\n

This is not just a health issue; it is a crisis that is robbing our community of its fathers, brothers, and leaders.<\/p>\n

Trans fats, or trans-fatty acids, are the most dangerous type of fat for the human heart and vascular system. They are primarily created in an industrial process that adds hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid. For food vendors and producers, this is a cheap and attractive option because it increases the shelf life and flavour stability of foods.<\/p>\n

In Ibadan, common sources of industrially produced trans fats include:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Reused Frying Oils! Oils are used repeatedly to fry popular staples like akara (bean cakes), puff-puff, boli (roasted plantain) with groundnut oil, and doughnuts sold by roadside vendors.<\/p>\n

Margarines and Vegetable Shortenings! Often used in baked goods like bread, cakes, and pastries sold in local bakeries.<\/p>\n

Packaged Snacks? Some commercially fried snacks and fast foods.<\/p>\n

Our work at the Rays of Hope Support Initiative has highlighted a critical and concerning pattern: the devastating impact of trans fats is not gender-neutral.<\/p>\n

While women are not completely immune, their natural hormonal makeup, particularly oestrogen, offers a degree of protection by helping to regulate cholesterol levels and fat distribution. This biological advantage, however, is not shared by men.<\/p>\n

The male body is particularly vulnerable. In our screenings across Ibadan, we have observed that the majority of our men tend to develop visceral fat\u2014the dangerous fat that accumulates deep within the abdomen, wrapping around their internal organs. This is the direct consequence of a diet high in trans fats. This central obesity is a ticking time bomb, leading to a cascade of life-threatening complications:<\/p>\n

Trans fats wreak havoc on a man’s lipid profile. They raise “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and lower “good” cholesterol (HDL). They also significantly increase triglycerides, another type of fat in the blood that hardens arteries.<\/p>\n

Also, the build-up of cholesterol and triglycerides doesn’t just sit idly on our body. It forms plaque, leading to the narrowing and hardening of our arteries (atherosclerosis)\u2014”a sure path to hypertension”. The heart is then forced to pump blood through these constricted pathways, leading to dangerously high blood pressure (hypertension)\u2014a condition we see daily at our centre.<\/p>\n

Visceral fat is not inert; it acts like an active organ, releasing inflammatory substances that make the body’s cells resistant to insulin. This insulin resistance is a direct precursor to high blood sugar and type 2 diabetes, creating a perfect storm where a man is now managing two or more debilitating NCDs simultaneously.<\/p>\n

The result is a preventable tragedy\u2014a young man in his 30s or 40s, a provider for his family, suffers a sudden heart attack or stroke or is diagnosed with advanced kidney disease from uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes. Hmmm!<\/p>\n

Addressing this crisis requires a multi-pronged approach, from individual lifestyle changes to systemic action by authorities.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Here is what needs to be done:<\/p>\n

For Individuals and Families:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dietary Overhaul:<\/strong><\/p>\n