RAJSHAHI, Oct 15, 2024 (BSS) - Healthy dietary habits along with disciplined lifestyle can be the crucial means of freeing the human body  from hypertension risks.

Unhealthy dietary habits, particularly 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.
 
Health experts came up with the observation while sharing their expertise at a webinar titled “Dietary Habit and Hypertension Risk” today to mark the World Food Day 2024. The day will be observed with the theme “Right to foods for a better life and a better future” this year.

Research and advocacy organization PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) organized the virtual meeting supported by Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI).

Dr. Nazma Shaheen, Professor, Institute of Nutrition and Food Science of Dhaka University, mentioned that excess salt and trans fat found in processed foods increases the risk of hypertension.

Raising awareness regarding consumption of these foods can reduce the risk.
 
Dr. Mohammad Mostafa, Member (Public Health and Nutrition) of Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), told the meeting that 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, opined that 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, apprised the webinar that both policy measure and awareness campaign are essential to address the issue of hypertension.
 
Dr. Modhura Chowdhury, Manager (Health and Wellbeing) at BRAC, Morshed Noman, Deputy Editor of Bangladesh First and ABM Zubair, Executive Director of PROGGA also spoke.

PROGGA’s Coordinator Sadia Galiba Prova moderated the webinar joined by people of different professions from different regions of the country.