Supervised by Dhaka University's Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, a recent cross-sectional study conducted in the country has identifieddirect links between dietary habits in the South-Western, Southern, Central, and Eastern regions with increased risk of heart diseases with Khulna reporting prevalence as high as 5.2 percent.In contrast, regions like Mymensingh in the Northern, Central-North and South-Eastern hill tracts recorded rates as low as 1.7 percent. In addition, researchers categorized 3 primary dietary patterns - "festival pattern", "pickles and fast foods pattern" and "rice and vegetable pattern.
Utilizing data from the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2016-17, the research analyzed dietary patterns among 77,207 participants aged 30 and older.
First ofall, we would like to thank Dhaka University's department concern for carrying out the cross-sectional study linked to an important health issue. The report comes at a time when unhealthy dietary habits coupled with detrimental climate change impacts continues to affect the people's health with newer challenges.
However, heart disease poses a significant health challenge in Bangladesh following a self-reported prevalence of 3.6 percent.In particular, the recent study has identified geographic disparities, markinghealthier eating habits such as increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while discouraging consumption of fast foods and sugary snacks.
For a clear understanding, "pickles and fast foods pattern" ischaracterized by high consumption of processed and fast foods, and is associated with a 50 percent increased risk of heart disease. Conversely, the "rice and vegetable pattern" which includes rice, starchy vegetables, and leafy greens, was linked to a 22 percent lower risk. Moreover, the study also underscored that heart disease risk is compounded by socio-economic factors and geographic disparities. This complex interplay emphasized the need for region-specific interventions that account for local food availability and cultural practices.
Nevertheless, we believe the research study demands all-out collaborative efforts between the government, health organizations, and local communities to foster an environment that support healthy eating. At the same time, it is high-time for social and mainstream media platforms to promote healthier eating habits, such as increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains while discouraging excessive consumption of fast foods and sugary snacks.
Last of all, the latest report's findings are specifically alarming for people in the South-Western, Southern, Central and Eastern regions of the country, where dietary practices have shifted towards health damaging options. Therefore, we are drawing attention of local health administrations and media outlets of the aforementioned regions to launch public awareness campaigns, educational programmes, and economic measures-like taxing unhealthy foods and subsidizing healthier options to encourage better dietary choices.
