Balanced nutrition, a healthy lifestyle and regular physical exercise are the keys to long-term wellbeing, speakers said at a health and wellness seminar organised by the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in the capital on Sunday.
The seminar, titled "Health & Wellness Seminar-2026: The Science of Lifelong Health: Nutrition and Lifestyle," was arranged at the seminar hall of the old IEB building to promote health awareness among engineers and highlight the importance of healthy living.
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The event was chaired by IEB President and RAJUK Chairman Engineer Mohammad Riazul Islam (Riju).
Addressing the seminar, Riazul Islam said changing lifestyles had significantly altered people's eating habits, with many, particularly young people, becoming increasingly dependent on fast food and sugary soft drinks.
He warned that excessive consumption of foods high in sugar, salt, trans fats and unhealthy fats was increasing the risks of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and kidney-related illnesses.
Delivering the welcome address, IEB Honorary Assistant Secretary (Administration and Finance) Engineer Muhammad Ahsanul Russell said the institution had long been working to enhance engineers' professional skills, technological knowledge and leadership through its 18 centres, 34 sub-centres and 14 overseas chapters.
He said that besides professional development, ensuring the physical and mental wellbeing of engineers had become one of the organisation's priorities, which inspired it to organise its first dedicated health seminar.
The keynote paper was presented by Prof Dr Md Mojibul Haque, Medical Consultant and Clinical Research Manager at Biologics–Quantum Cellular Medicine (QCM), USA, and Professor of Integrative Medicine at Washington University of Science and Technology.
He said good health was not merely the absence of disease but a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Referring to the growing global burden of non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer and mental health disorders, he said many of these conditions could be prevented through healthy eating, regular exercise and lifestyle modifications.
He also highlighted the health benefits of fasting, saying that scientific studies suggest properly practised fasting may improve metabolism, support weight management and contribute to long-term health, although it should be undertaken considering an individual's age, physical condition and medical advice.
Emphasising the importance of physical activity, he recommended at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, such as walking, jogging or cycling, to improve cardiovascular health, regulate blood pressure, reduce weight and relieve stress.
On sleep, he said adults should aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night to support cell repair, memory, immunity and mental wellbeing.
The seminar concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session where participants discussed nutrition, exercise, healthy eating habits and maintaining wellbeing despite busy professional lives.
The vote of thanks was delivered by IEB Vice-President (S&W) Engineer Niaz Uddin Bhuiyan, while the session was moderated by Honorary Assistant Secretary (S&W) Engineer Sabbir Ahmed Osmani.