Rising Hypertension Among Young Generation

Alarming rise in hypertension among the young generation in India is a growing concern, driven by lifestyle changes, stress, and poor diet. Learn about the increasing prevalence, associated health risks like heart attacks and strokes, and the urgent need for early detection and lifestyle modificatio

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Context: Contrary to past assumptions, high blood pressure is no longer restricted to older adults — it’s increasingly affecting children and adolescents in India.

What is Meant By Hypertension?

Blood pressure refers to the force with which blood pushes against the walls of the arteries, which are the body’s major blood vessels.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when this force is consistently too high.
A person is considered hypertensive if:
- Systolic blood pressure is ≥ 140 mmHg, or
- Diastolic blood pressure is ≥ 90 mmHg, or
- The person is taking anti-hypertensive medication to control their blood pressure.

Need to Control Hypertension Among Teens

Alarming Statistics:
- CNNS (2016–18): 3% of Indian adolescents had hypertensive BP levels; 9.1% in urban areas.
- NFHS-5: 12% of teens (15–19 years) had elevated blood pressure.
Delayed Detection: Most adolescents are unaware of their condition until adulthood, by which time health complications may already be underway.
Long-Term Risks: Unchecked adolescent hypertension increases the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases, kidney damage, and stroke later in life.

Concerns Associated with the Rise in Teen Hypertension

Rising Childhood Obesity: Increasing body mass index (BMI) due to poor diets and sedentary lifestyles is a major risk factor.
Sedentary Digital Lifestyle: Reduced outdoor activity and screen-heavy routines limit the physical exercise necessary to regulate blood pressure.
High Salt Intake: Adolescents consume over 8 grams of salt daily — nearly double the WHO’s adult recommendation.
- Major sources: processed snacks, junk food, and salty street foods.
Early Habit Formation: Kids develop a taste for high-salt, high-fat foods early, disliking healthier alternatives.
- These preferences become hard-wired, increasing future risk.

Way Forward to Improve the Situation

Strengthen PM POSHAN’s Nutritional Goals: Incorporate fresh, regionally-inspired menus with reduced salt and oil.
- Focus on diversity and seasonal produce.
Promote Food Literacy in Schools: Introduce nutrition education similar to Japan’s ShoKuiku
- Teach students about the origins and impacts of food choices.

Japan’s Steps (ShoKuiku Model)

Introduced ShoKuiku law in 2005 to promote food education and healthy eating habits.
Children help plan, serve, and eat meals together, learning nutrition and food origins hands-on.

Vietnam’s Steps

Adopted Japan’s model in 2012 with Ajinomoto to develop a school meal project.
Created tools for balanced menus, nutrition education, and model kitchens in schools.

Reduce Salt in Packaged Foods: Enforce mandatory front-of-pack labelling.
- Limit marketing of junk food to children.
Make Physical Activity Non-Negotiable: Ensure physical exercise is part of the daily school routine.
- Promote games, yoga, and sports
Early Screening and Awareness: Conduct regular BP monitoring and BMI checks in schools.
- Create awareness campaigns among parents and teachers.
Collaborate with Local Communities: Involve parents, Anganwadi workers, and local NGOs to sustain healthy habits at home.
- Encourage kitchen gardens in schools for hands-on learning.