Doctors warn against overeating meat
Hospitals across Punjab are preparing for an expected load of patients suffering from stomach disorders, hypertension, food poisoning and heart complications linked to excessive consumption of sacrificial meat on Eidul Azha.
According to medics, the provincial capital witnesses a recurring health pattern every year after Eid prayers when families begin consuming large quantities of beef and mutton throughout the day without dietary balance or proper cooking precautions.
They said the hospitals were busy finalising arrangements to deal with patients of overeating in the Eid days.
People organise parties to enjoy meat together during the holidays.
According to hospital administrations, emergency wards often receive patients complaining of severe acidity, abdominal pain, vomiting, dehydration, gallbladder problems and elevated blood pressure caused by continued overeating in Eid gatherings.
Health specialists warn that the problem is not the meat itself but the unhealthy manner in which it is consumed. Heavy breakfasts containing fried liver, late night barbecue parties, oily curries and repeated meat-based meals place unusual pressure on the digestive system.
Senior physician Dr Amjad Mahmood said Lahore's hospitals record a surge in gastric and cardiac emergencies every year in the Eid season.
"People suddenly shift from routine eating habits to nonstop meat consumption for three consecutive days. Many individuals consume barbecue, karahi, pulao, fried liver and soft drinks together in excessive amounts. This creates severe digestive stress and can become dangerous for heart patients, diabetic and elderly citizens," he explained.
According to doctors, several cases recorded during previous Eidul Azha holidays involved patients arriving at emergency departments with chest pain that later turned out to be severe gastric complications triggered by overeating. Others suffered food poisoning due to improperly stored meat exposed to heat for long periods. Medical professionals in Lahore say patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, liver disorders, ulcers and cholesterol problems should exercise extreme caution. They particularly discouraged such patients from consuming excessive oily barbecue, brain curry, kidney dishes and fatty meat.
Nutrition consultant Dr Sara Khalid warned that uncontrolled Eid eating habits are silently damaging public health.
"Every year we see people treating Eid as a licence for unlimited eating. The digestive system cannot process heavy protein and fat continuously without consequences. Overeating often results in bloating, constipation, severe acidity, disturbed blood sugar levels and in some cases serious cardiac complications," she said.
She added that many citizens ignore water intake while consuming salty and spicy meat dishes throughout the day, increasing the risk of dehydration and kidney stress during hot weather conditions in Lahore.