Unhealthy dietary habits, particularly excessive consumption of trans fats and salt, are contributing to the rising risk of hypertension-related non-communicable diseases and deaths in Bangladesh, speakers said at a webinar on Tuesday.

These insights were shared during a webinar titled “Dietary Habits and Hypertension Risk,” organized by research and advocacy group PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress), with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), in observance of World Food Day 2024.

This year, World Food Day will be observed under the theme “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies unhealthy eating habits, physical inactivity, and obesity as modifiable risk factors for hypertension. Developing healthier eating habits can significantly reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases, including hypertension.

Dr. Nazma Shaheen, Professor at the Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka, remarked, “Excess salt and trans fats found in processed foods increase the risk of hypertension. Raising awareness about the consumption of these foods can help mitigate this risk.”

Dr. Mohammad Mostafa, Member (Public Health and Nutrition) of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), said, “The use of preservatives in food is exacerbating the risk of non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, in our country. Immediate attention and collaborative efforts between BFSA and research institutions are essential to ensure food safety.”

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Dr. Abu Jamil Faisel, President-Elect of the Public Health Association of Bangladesh, emphasized the need for increased preventive programs at the grassroots level, saying, “Campaigns and collective efforts are crucial to combat hypertension and other non-communicable diseases.”

Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, Bangladesh Country Lead of Global Health Advocacy Incubator, added, “Both policy measures and awareness campaigns are essential to addressing hypertension effectively.”

Dr. Modhura Chowdhury, Manager (Health and Wellbeing) at BRAC; Morshed Noman, Deputy Editor of Bangladesh First; and ABM Zubair, Executive Director of PROGGA, also participated as discussants in the webinar.

The session was moderated by PROGGA’s Coordinator, Sadia Galiba Prova.