Many people often order takeout food: What do doctors recommend?

Dr. Saurabh Arora, CEO of Auriga Research, a pharmaceutical company in India, warns: The habit of ordering takeaway food is increasing, replacing home-cooked meals, causing concerns about food safety and hygiene to increase.

Dr. Manoj Jain, Department of Gastroenterology and Obesity at Nanavati Max Specialty Hospital in Mumbai (India), shared that the habit of ordering takeaway food can negatively affect the health of many people, especially young people, according to the Hindustan Times.

Illustration: AI

What happens to your body when you regularly order takeout?

Dr Jain explains: Food prepared outside is often high in calories, unhealthy fats, sugar and sodium. Delicious food is often lacking in essential nutrients such as fibre, vitamins and minerals. While the presentation may be appealing, what is inside the food is rarely considered. So people who regularly order takeaway food need to be more aware of the health risks.

While ordering takeout gives you a dopamine hit from trying something new, it also comes with health consequences.

Dr. Jain cites a 2020 study published in the scientific journal BMC Public Health , which highlights that people who frequently eat takeout are at higher risk of metabolic problems. This also increases the risk of many chronic diseases.

People who eat outside food regularly are at higher risk of metabolic syndrome indicators such as abnormal blood pressure and significantly increased waist circumference, which means they are more likely to develop obesity, hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, says Dr Jain.

Over-reliance on eating out has changed our eating habits, says Dr Arora. We are now consuming more processed foods and are exposed to foods of unknown origin and potentially unhygienic quality. The nutritional value is lower, and the risk of foodborne infections is significantly higher.

How often should I order takeout?

Dr Jain stresses that moderation, occasional indulgences, done within limits, are perfectly fine. On the other hand, those who regularly order takeout need to be cautious about the health effects.

Given the health risks, ordering food should be limited to once or twice a week, recommends Dr Jain, according to Hindustan Times.

Making conscious and moderate food choices, even when purchased from outside, can help you control the health risks associated with regularly consuming meals prepared outside.