The study findings showed that 12.5% ​​of participants already had blood pressure at or above 140/90 mmHg, indicating emerging cardiovascular risk in young adults.

Hyderabad: According to a recent study conducted by the Hyderabad-based ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) such as packaged snacks, sweet drinks, biscuits and instant foods can significantly increase the risk of hypertension in urban youth.The study, recently published in the journal ‘Nutrients’, examined the dietary patterns and blood pressure profiles of 311 undergraduate students aged 18 to 24 years from colleges in Hyderabad. Researchers found that students who consumed higher amounts of high-fat and high-salt ultra-processed foods were nearly three times more likely to have increased blood pressure than those who consumed less.The findings showed that 12.5% ​​of participants already had blood pressure levels of 140/90 mmHg or higher, indicating emerging cardiovascular risk in young adults. Ultra-processed foods commonly consumed among participants included biscuits, chocolate, packaged salty snacks, bread products, sugary drinks, and instant foods.Scientists identified taste. Convenience, affordability and easy availability are the major reasons for the increasing 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, gender, residence and family income.The 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 increasing dependence on packaged and convenient foods among urban youth requires urgent public health attention. “Targeted interventions are needed in colleges and universities to encourage healthy dietary choices and increase awareness of the health risks associated with excessive ultra-processed food consumption,” she said.“India is witnessing rapid nutrition changes, especially among adolescents and young adults,” said Dr Bharati Kulkarni, NIN Director, and stressed the need to strengthen nutrition literacy and create healthy food environments.