Ultra-processed foods increasing health problems, NCDs: Experts

RANGPUR, June 7 (BSS): Experts warned in a webinar today that ultra-processed foods rich in sugar, salt, saturated fats, and trans-fats are increasing the risk of various non-communicable diseases (NCDs), diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cancer, and other health problems in Bangladesh.

They viewed this at the webinar, titled "Health risks of ultra-processed foods and the way forward: Bangladesh perspective", organized by PROGGA, with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), marking the World Food Safety Day 2026.

Representatives from civil society organizations, NGOs and youth groups, along with journalists and people from different professional backgrounds across the country, including Rangpur, participated in the webinar.

The webinar noted that, according to the World Health Organization, NCDs are responsible for around 570,263 deaths in Bangladesh every year, accounting for nearly 71 percent of total deaths.

Excessive sugar, salt, saturated fat and trans-fat in ultra-processed foods are further increasing the risk of these

diseases.