Healthy diet can reduce hypertension risk: Experts 

Experts have warned at a webinar that unhealthy dietary habits, particularly excessive consumption of trans fats and salt, are contributing to a rise in hypertension-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and deaths in Bangladesh.

They emphasised that adopting healthier dietary habits could significantly reduce the risk of NCDs, including hypertension, said a press release today (15 October). 

The webinar, titled "Dietary Habit and Hypertension Risk", was organised by PROGGA, a research and advocacy organisation in Bangladesh, with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, as part of the observance of World Food Day 2024.

This year, the day will be marked under the theme "Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future".

Professor Nazma Shaheen of Dhaka University's Institute of Nutrition and Food Science noted, "Excessive salt and trans fats found in processed foods increase the risk of hypertension. Raising awareness about the consumption of these foods can help reduce the risk."

Mohammad Mostafa, member (Public Health and Nutrition) at the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), highlighted the dangers of food preservatives, stating, "The use of preservatives is increasing the risk of various non-communicable diseases, including hypertension. This issue demands urgent attention, and the food safety authority along with research institutions, must work together to ensure food safety."

Abu Jamil Faisel, president elect of the Public Health Association of Bangladesh, called for more grassroots-level preventive programmes. "Campaigns and coordinated efforts are essential in combating hypertension and other NCDs," he said.

Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, Bangladesh country lead at Global Health Advocacy Incubator, stressed the importance of both policy measures and awareness campaigns to tackle the issue.

Other speakers included Modhura Chowdhury, manager (Health and Wellbeing) at BRAC; Morshed Noman, deputy editor of Bangladesh First; and ABM Zubair, executive director of PROGGA. 

The webinar was moderated by PROGGA's coordinator Sadia Galiba Prova and was attended by professionals from across the country.