Speakers at Webinar on International Youth Day: Ensure Trans-fat free food to reduce heart diseases risk of youths

Staff Reporter: High prevalence of heart diseases among the youth of Bangladesh in recent times is alarming. Study says that one in five youth in Bangladesh is posed with the risk of heart diseases. Excessive level of trans fat in food is one of its major causes. Trans fat-induced heart disease risks will be on the rise unless the trans fat limiting regulation is finalized soon. Such warnings were expressed by speakers at a webinar titled “Role of the Youth in Achieving Trans Fat Free Bangladesh” organized today on 12 August 2021 marking International Youth Day by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) and National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh.

It was told at the webinar that Trans Fatty Acid (TFA) or trans fat is a food element harmful for health. Dalda or bonospoti ghee, as well as the foods prepared with it, fast food, and bakery items contain trans fat. More so, using the same cooking oil in high temperatures also creates trans fat that causes risks of heart diseases and related premature deaths. Researchers from the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute have found trans fat levels exceeding the WHO threshold of 2 pc of the total fat contents in 92 pc of sampled dalda/bonospoti ghee. WHO has set the target of eliminating trans fat from the global food supply chain by 2023.Dr. Sohel Reza Chowdhury, Professor at the Department of Epidemiology and Research, National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute, told at the webinar that trans fat-induced heart diseases kill around six thousand people in Bangladesh each year, and a significant portion is young people. Vice-president of the Consumers’ Association of Bangladesh (CAB) S. M. Nazer Hossain said that Bangladesh Food Safety Authority is working to finalize the regulation titled “Limiting Trans Fatty Acids in Foodstuffs regulations, 2021” and it is undoubtedly a praiseworthy task. Nonetheless, its progress is not of much satisfaction. The regulations must be finalized immediately. General Secretary of Bangladesh Food and Nutrition Association (BAFNA) Bipul Biswas Apon said that almost half the population of Bangladesh is youth. Unless trans fat free food is ensured, the young generation cannot be protected from risks of heart diseases.Coordinator of Trans Fat Project at National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Mahbubus Sobhan and Coordinator of Trans Fat Elimination Project at PROGGA Mahmud Al Islam Shihab presented keynotes at the webinar. Along with the young participants from all over the country, representatives of various organizations including Muhammad Ruhul Quddus (GHAI) and ABM Zubair (PROGGA) were present at the webinar.