Staff Correspondent

Unhealthy dietary habits, especially excessive consumption of trans fats and salt, are increasing the risk of hypertension-related non-communicable diseases and deaths in Bangladesh. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies unhealthy eating habits, physical inactivity, and obesity as modifiable risk factors for hypertension. The risk of various non-communicable diseases including hypertension can be reduced to a great extent by developing healthy eating habits.

Speakers highlighted these information and recommendations at a webinar titled “Dietary Habit and Hypertension Risk”, organized by research and advocacy organization PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) with support from Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) on Monday on the occasion of World Food Day 2024. The day will be observed under the theme “Right to foods for a better life and a better future” this year.

Dr. Nazma Shaheen, Professor, Institute of Nutrition and Food Science of Dhaka University, informed at the webinar, “Excess salt and trans fat found in processed foods increase the risk of hypertension. Raising awareness regarding consumption of these foods can reduce the risk.”

Dr. Mohammad Mostafa, Member (Public Health and Nutrition), Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), said, “Use of preservatives in food is increasing the risk of various non-communicable diseases including hypertension in our country and it requires immediate attention. BFSA and other research institutes must work collaboratively to ensure safe food.”

Dr. Abu Jamil Faisel, President Elect, Public Health Association of Bangladesh, said, “Increased preventive programs should be carried out at the grassroots level. Campaigns along with concerted efforts are needed to combat hypertension and other non-communicable diseases.”

Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, Bangladesh Country Lead of Global Health Advocacy Incubator, said, "Both policy measure and awareness campaign are essential to address the issue of hypertension."

Dr. Modhura Chowdhury, Manager (Health and Wellbeing), BRAC, Morshed Noman, Deputy Editor of Bangladesh First, and ABM Zubair, Executive Director of PROGGA were also present at the webinar as discussants. The webinar was moderated by PROGGA’s Coordinator Sadia Galiba Prova. People of different professions from different regions of the country participated in the webinar.