CHITWAN: As families across Nepal celebrate Maha Ashtami by preparing and consuming large quantities of meat, health experts are urging caution, warning that the festive season often brings a spike in diet-related illnesses due to unhealthy cooking methods and overeating.
While eating meat itself isn’t harmful, health experts emphasize that the method of preparation plays a crucial role in determining its impact on health.
Dr. Bhojraj Adhikari, a physician at Pushpanjali Hospital, warns that poor dietary habits during the festival can lead to a surge in health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, gastritis, vomiting, constipation, and elevated uric acid levels.
“Fresh, lean meat in small portions is acceptable,” he said, adding that problems arise when people overeat meat or continue consuming it for several days in a row.
He particularly advises against eating roasted or deep-fried meat, highlighting that the cooking method is just as important as the quantity consumed.
“Festival gatherings often lead to poor eating habits,” he noted. “Excessive intake of salty, fatty, sugary, or cold foods—especially when combined with alcohol and smoking—can have serious health consequences.”
Dr. Adhikari also cautioned vegetarians against overindulging in sweets and cheese-based products. “Sweets are often stored for long periods, which affects their quality and health safety,” he said. “Cheese should also be eaten in moderation, as it can raise cholesterol levels if consumed in excess.”
Dr. Gurusharan Sah, Head of the Medical Oncology Department at BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, emphasized that red meat cooked by roasting or deep-frying increases the risk of cancer.
“It’s unrealistic to avoid meat entirely during Dashain,” he said. “But avoid stale food, include vegetables and legumes in your diet, and consider healthier alternatives like chicken or fish.”
His colleague, senior oncologist Dr. Binay Thakur, warned that cooking fatty meat over open flames can trigger chemical reactions that increase the risk of colon cancer. “The problem isn’t meat itself, but how it’s processed,” he said. “Smoked and charred meat can lead to harmful chemical changes. Meat should be cooked in a clean, healthy way.”
Dr. Saurabh Khatiwada, an endocrinologist at Chitwan Medical College, added that meat high in fat contributes to obesity and spikes in blood sugar levels. “Festival meals often include multiple dishes, and when combined with fatty meat, the risk of elevated glucose rises,” he said.
“Ideally, the body should return to normal within four hours after eating, but fatty meals can keep blood sugar levels high for up to 12 hours, especially if eaten at night.”
Dr. Khatiwada also noted that fatty meat raises LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, urging people to avoid burnt, fried, and greasy cuts of meat, and instead opt for lean portions in moderation.
While Dashain is a time of joy and family gatherings, doctors warn that many people ignore early symptoms of serious health issues. “Some patients suffer silently at home—even with chest pain or breathing difficulty—out of fear of disturbing the celebration,” said Dr. Adhikari. “This can be dangerous and delay timely treatment.”
Cardiologist Prof. Dr. Shyamraj Regmi of Chitwan Medical College highlighted that heart patients—especially those with high blood sugar, blood pressure, or cholesterol—need to be extra cautious with their diet.
“If it’s just heart disease and the heart isn’t weak, there’s no need for overly strict restrictions,” he said. “But generally, we advise avoiding excess fat and meat, as they can affect digestion and even worsen heart conditions.”
Dr. Regmi encouraged people to enjoy Dashain but to eat wisely. “You can enjoy meat—just avoid fatty, greasy cuts and eat in smaller portions. There’s no harm in indulging a little, as long as it’s done in moderation,” he said. “Even for diabetics, if their condition is well-managed, one or two sweets a day won’t do much harm.”
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