Watch those snacks! Ultra-processed foods can send your blood pressure soaring | Hyderabad News
Hyderabad: Frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) such as packaged snacks, sugary drinks, biscuits and instant foods may significantly increase the risk of high blood pressure among urban youth, according to a recent study conducted by Hyderabad-based ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition.The study, recently published in the journal ‘Nutrients’, examined dietary patterns and blood pressure profiles of 311 undergraduate students aged between 18 and 24 years from colleges in Hyderabad. Researchers found that students who consumed higher amounts of high-fat and high-salt ultra-processed foods had nearly three times higher odds of elevated blood pressure compared to those with lower intake.The findings revealed that 12.5% of the participants already had elevated blood pressure levels of 140/90 mmHg or above, indicating an emerging cardiovascular risk among young adults. Commonly consumed ultra-processed foods among participants included biscuits, chocolates, packaged savoury snacks, bread products, sugary beverages and instant foods.Scientists identified taste. convenience, affordability and easy availability as the major reasons driving increased consumption of ultra-processed foods among urban youth. The study noted that the association between UPF intake and elevated blood pressure remained significant even after adjusting for factors such as age, sex, residence and family income.Researchers used a detailed food survey based on the NOVA classification system to study how often participants consumed 24 commonly eaten ultra-processed foods. Blood pressure levels were measured using standard medical procedures.Lead authors Dr Karthikeyan S and Dr Samarasimha Reddy said the growing dependence on packaged and convenience foods among urban youth requires urgent public health attention. “There needs to targeted interventions in colleges and universities to encourage healthier dietary choices and improve awareness about the health risks associated with excessive ultra-processed food consumption,’ they added.NIN director, Dr Bharati Kulkarni, said, “India is witnessing a rapid nutrition transition, particularly among adolescents and young adults, and stressed the need to strengthen nutrition literacy and create healthier food environments.”
