High intake of packaged foods tied to elevated BP among youth: NIN study

Higher consumption of high-fat and high-salt Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) is associated with increased odds of elevated blood pressure among urban young adults, with males showing a higher prevalence, according to researchers from the Hyderabad-based ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN).

The findings are based on a cross-sectional study conducted among 311 undergraduate students aged 18-24 years from three colleges in Hyderabad. Dietary intake over the previous month was assessed using a 24-item food frequency questionnaire that captured commonly consumed biscuits, chocolates, and packaged snacks-reflecting the ongoing nutrition transition among urban youth in India.

Overall, 12.5% of participants were found to have high blood pressure (140/90 mmHg), with a higher prevalence among males and those aged above 20 years. After adjusting for age, sex and socioeconomic factors, multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that males and students from higher-income households had significantly higher odds of hypertension.

Importantly, consumption of high-fat and/or high-salt UPFs at or above the median level was independently associated with elevated blood pressure. Taste, affordability and easy availability were identified as key drivers of UPF consumption.

Researchers involved in the study include – Karthikeyan Ramanujam, Abhigna Mahathi, Jarupula Namrathaa Pawar, Maheshwari Matla, Harichandana Ponnapalli, Vinay Kumar Soma, Keerthana Gajjala, SuryaGoud S. Chukkala, Mahesh Kumar Mummadi, SubbaRao M. Gavaravarapu, G Bhanuprakash Reddy, Jagajeevan Babu Geddam and Samarasimha Nusi Reddy.

Specific categories and frequency of UPF intake, rather than overall dietary variety, played a more significant role in determining early hypertension risk. These findings are notable as such associations are typically observed in older or mixed-age populations, indicating that adverse effects are already detectable in young adulthood- a stage when hypertension often remains undiagnosed and unmanaged.

While students living in hostels showed a slightly higher prevalence of elevated blood pressure compared to those staying at home – possibly due to repetitive diets and greater reliance on packaged foods- this association was not statistically significant after adjustment.

The results are consistent with broader trends highlighted in the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), which shows a steady rise in hypertension among adolescents and young adults, said Mr. Subba Rao.

Researchers noted that India is currently in an intermediate phase of nutrition transition, with young adults increasingly consuming snack-type UPFs, though meal replacements are not yet fully mainstream as seen in high-income countries. They emphasised the need to limit intake of UPFs and foods high in salt, sugar and unhealthy fats to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases.

Policy measures such as higher taxes on packaged foods, restricting the availability of high-salt items around campuses, promoting affordable healthy alternatives, and strengthening nutrition awareness programmes could help improve dietary habits among young adults. The study has been published in the latest issue of the journal Nutrients.