Choose moderation in Wazwan: Health experts

Srinagar, Jun 18: While Wazwan remains an integral part of Kashmir’s cultural heritage and hospitality, health experts are urging people to enjoy the traditional feast in moderation after an awareness advisory highlighted its significant calorie content and the potential health risks associated with overconsumption.
According to a public health advisory, a typical Wazwan trami serving four people may contain between 6,000 and 9,000 calories, depending on the quantity and preparation of dishes. This translates to approximately 1,500 to 2,250 calories per person, which can account for as much as 80 to 125 per cent of an average adult’s daily calorie requirement in a single meal.
The advisory, issued by Dr S. Muhammad Salim Khan, notes that the calorie count primarily comes from large portions of rice, red meat preparations, meatballs such as Rista and Gushtaba, Kebabs, Tabak Maaz, and gravies rich in fats and oils.
Health experts point out that the recommended daily calorie intake for an adult male with moderate physical activity ranges between 2,300 and 2,700 calories, while adult females generally require 1,800 to 2,200 calories. Sedentary adults and elderly individuals require even fewer calories.
The advisory warns that consuming a large share of Wazwan along with soft drinks can easily push daily calorie consumption beyond recommended limits. A 300 ml cola contains approximately 120 to 140 calories and 30 to 35 grams of sugar, while a 500 ml serving may provide 200 to 240 calories and up to 60 grams of sugar.
“Just one large Wazwan meal accompanied by two soft drinks can add an additional 250 to 500 calories and 60 to 100 grams of sugar to the diet,” the advisory states.
Medical experts caution that regularly consuming meals high in calories, saturated fats, salt, and sugar can contribute to several non-communicable diseases.
Among the health concerns highlighted are: obesity and weight gain, resulting from excess calorie intake, type 2 diabetes, due to repeated spikes in blood glucose levels, fatty liver disease, linked to excessive consumption of sugary beverages, heart disease, as high levels of saturated fats, sodium, and cholesterol increase cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels.
The advisory further notes that sugary drinks provide “empty calories” and often fail to create a feeling of fullness, encouraging people to consume more food than required.
Rather than discouraging the consumption of Wazwan, health experts are advocating balanced eating habits and healthier beverage choices.
Among the recommendations are: drinking water before and during meals, limiting portion sizes and eating mindfully, choosing fresh fruits instead of sugary desserts and beverages.
Opting for traditional drinks such as Kahwah, mint water, and lemon water without added sugar, remaining physically active and taking a short walk after meals to aid digestion and energy expenditure.
The advisory stresses that Wazwan should be viewed as a celebratory meal rather than an everyday dietary practice.
“Wazwan is a celebration, not an everyday meal. Enjoy our heritage, protect your health, and choose moderation,” the advisory states, emphasising that awareness and balanced consumption can help people enjoy Kashmir’s culinary traditions while reducing the risk of lifestyle-related diseases.
Health professionals say that informed dietary choices, portion control, and regular physical activity remain key to preventing obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic illnesses increasingly affecting people across the region. (KNO)