Everyday actions for better health WHO recommendations

In 2010, the Health Assembly endorsed a set of recommendations on the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children (15). In both adults and children, the intake of free sugars should be reduced to less than 10% of total energy intake (2, 7). Some food manufacturers are reformulating recipes to reduce the sodium content of their products, and people should be encouraged to check nutrition labels to see how much sodium is in a product before purchasing or consuming it. Salt is also added to foods during cooking (e.g. bouillon, stock cubes, soy sauce and fish sauce) or at the point of consumption (e.g. table salt). Reducing the amount of total fat intake to less than 30% of total energy intake helps to prevent unhealthy weight gain in the adult population (1, 2, 3). With many countries now seeing a rapid rise in obesity among infants and children, in May 2014 WHO set up the Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity. These targets include a halt to the rise in diabetes and obesity, and a 30% relative reduction in the intake of salt by 2025. A reduction to less than 5% of total energy intake would provide additional health benefits (7). Learn more about the harms of tobacco use in the WHO/Europe factsheet linked on this webpage. Smoked tobacco products, including water pipes, contain over 7000 chemicals, including at least 250 chemicals known to be toxic or to cause cancer. It protects you against many chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. (10) Global action plan for the prevention and control of NCDs 2013–2020. However, healthy diets can be inaccessible, particularly in low- andmiddle-income countries, and also in places and situations with high rates offood insecurity. Evidence shows the health benefits of a diet high in whole grains, vegetables,fruit, legumes and nuts, and low in salt, free sugars and fats, particularlysaturated and trans fats. Unhealthy diet is one of theleading risks for the global burden of disease, mainly for noncommunicablediseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. A healthy diet helps to protect against malnutrition in all of its forms, as well as NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases (including heart disease and stroke), type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Launch of WHO guideline on fortification of edible oils and fats with vitamins A and D for public health World Health Assembly re-commits to global nutrition targets and marketing regulations Countries and global leaders recognized for their action to tackle the obesity crisis In addition, the proliferation of highlyprocessed food, supported by aggressive marketing, rapid unplanned urbanizationand changing lifestyles have contributed to more people eating unhealthy dietshigh in energy, free sugars, salt, saturated fats and trans fats. WHO continuously updates the guidance on what constitutes a healthy diet to prevent all forms of malnutrition and promote well-being in different population groups across the life course and on how different nutrients and foods contribute to it. Based on this work, WHO/Europe introduced the quick buys – the 25 policies targeting key risk factors (tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity) and disease groups (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases and cancers). People are now consuming more foods high in energy, fats, free sugars and salt/sodium, and many people do not eat enough fruit, vegetables and other dietary fibre such as whole grains. Consuming a healthy diet throughout the life-course helps to prevent malnutrition in all its forms as well as a range of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and conditions. What constitutes a healthy diet may differ depending on individual needs, locally available foods, dietary customs, cultural norms and other considerations.

World Health Day 2025 - Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures

• However, the basic principles of healthy diets remain the same for everyone.
• Lifelong tobacco smokers lose at least 10 years of life on average.
• Launch of the WHO guideline on policies and interventions to create healthy school food environments
• Tobacco use or exposure to tobacco smoking affects almost all organs of the human body and has a negative impact on health across the life course.
• From 6 months onwards, breastfeeding should continue alongside the introduction of safe, diverse and nutrient-dense complementary foods.
• Policy should be framed to improve the functional ability of all older people, whether they are robust, care dependent or in between.
• Consuming free sugars increases the risk of dental caries (tooth decay).
• Learn more about healthy nutrition in the WHO/Europe factsheet linked on this webpage.

From 2016 to 2023, our Maternal Mortality reduced by an average of 5.1% per year – more than three times the global reduction rate. From 2010 onwards, our region achieved the highest reduction in the stillbirth rate, and in the maternal, newborn and child mortality rates, compared to all other WHO regions and the global average. "Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures" is our first World Health Day theme dedicated to maternal and newborn health since 2005. Smoking tobacco causes NCDs such as lung disease, heart disease and stroke. Fats consumed should be less than 30% of your total energy intake. You can reduce your sugar intake by limiting the consumption of sugary snacks, candies and sugar-sweetened beverages. You can improve your intake of fruits and vegetables by always including veggies in your meal; eating fresh fruit and vegetables as snacks; eating a variety of fruits and vegetables; and eating them in season. Episode #91 - Everything you need to know about trans fat Diet evolves over time, being influenced by many social and economic factors that interact in a complex manner to shape individual dietary patterns. Consuming free sugars increases the risk of dental caries (tooth decay). People are often unaware of the amount of salt they consume. It also reduces the risk of becoming overweight or obese and developing NCDs later in life. Reducing salt intake to the recommended level of less than 5 g per day could prevent 1.7 million deaths each year (12). Most people consume too much sodium through salt (corresponding to consuming an average of 9–12 g of salt per day) and not enough potassium (less than 3.5 g). Eating at least 400 g, or five portions, of fruit and vegetables per day reduces the risk of NCDs (2) and helps to ensure an adequate daily intake of dietary fibre. The health of everyone we hold near and dear demands nothing less. From disease outbreaks to natural disasters, from the newborn to the elderly, from migrant camps to modern cities – whatever the situation and whoever the person, the WHO is a symbol of hope, help and health. This is because many people who have hypertension may not be aware of the problem as it may not have any symptoms. Increase moderate-intensity physical activity to 300 minutes per week for additional health benefits. Do not start smoking and fight for your right to breathe tobacco-smoke-free air. Once you do, you will experience immediate and long-term health benefits. Reduce your salt intake to 5g per day, equivalent to about one teaspoon. Eat a combination of different foods, including fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains. Here are 10 practical health tips to help you start off towards healthy living in 2025. Start the new year with the evergreen resolution to lead a healthier lifestyle. Recognizing that the world is not on track to meet all of the 2025 global nutrition targets, WHO Member States, during the 78th World Health Assembly in... (9) Comprehensive implementation plan on maternal, infant and young child nutrition. Effects of total fat intake on body weight. WHO is helping countries to implement the commitments made at ICN2. In 2013, the Health Assembly agreed to nine global voluntary targets for the prevention and control of NCDs. WHO has also developed region-specific tools (such as regional nutrient profile models) that countries can use to implement the marketing recommendations.

How to promote healthy diets

• Start the new year with the evergreen resolution to lead a healthier lifestyle.
• This document was prepared in support of the publication "WHO reference protocol for measuring fatty acids in foods, with emphasis on monitoring trans-fatty...
• Do not start smoking and fight for your right to breathe tobacco-smoke-free air.
• Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of life to ensure optimal growth, development and health.
• A healthy diet comprises a combination of different foods.
• Unhealthy diet is one of theleading risks for the global burden of disease, mainly for noncommunicablediseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer.

WHO engages with food manufacturers on improving the nutrition profile of their products. Around the world, an estimated 3 billion people cannot access safe,nutritious and sufficient food. By promoting comprehensive strategies – from legal frameworks and school-based programmes to digital policy regulation – WHO helps countries create healthier environments that empower individuals to make informed choices and reduce NCD risks.

Practical advice on maintaining a healthy diet

The establishment of a specialized international health organization was first proposed in April 1945, when diplomats met in San Francisco to form the United Nations. Healthy ageing,like active ageing, emphasizes the need for action across multiple sectors andenabling older people to remain a resource to their families, communities andeconomies. Being able to live in environments that support and maintain one’s intrinsic capacity and functional ability is key to healthy ageing.

• Evidence shows the health benefits of a diet high in whole grains, vegetables,fruit, legumes and nuts, and low in salt, free sugars and fats, particularlysaturated and trans fats.
• From 2016 to 2023, our Maternal Mortality reduced by an average of 5.1% per year – more than three times the global reduction rate.
• In the first 2 years of a child’s life, optimal nutrition fosters healthy growth and improves cognitive development.
• Reducing the amount of total fat intake to less than 30% of total energy intake helps to prevent unhealthy weight gain in the adult population (1, 2, 3).
• Functional ability consists of the intrinsic capacity of the individual, relevant environmental characteristics and the interaction between them.
• Hand hygiene is critical not only for health workers but for everyone.
• Episode #91 - Everything you need to know about trans fat
• Governments have a central role in creating a healthy food environment that enables people to adopt and maintain healthy dietary practices.

Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest public health threats in our generation. If your blood pressure is high, get the advice of a health worker. Have your blood pressure checked regularly by a health worker so you know your numbers. If left uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to heart, brain, kidney and other diseases.

• We have led the first global treaty to fight tobacco.
• It is important to have a diet that includes a variety of foods across all food groups.
• These foods should be prepared without added salt or sugar.
• Alcohol consumption is causally linked to over 200 health conditions and other risks, including liver diseases, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, road injuries, violence and suicide.
• It also reduces the risk of becoming overweight or obese and developing NCDs later in life.
• In addition, the proliferation of highlyprocessed food, supported by aggressive marketing, rapid unplanned urbanizationand changing lifestyles have contributed to more people eating unhealthy dietshigh in energy, free sugars, salt, saturated fats and trans fats.
• Nutritious, safe diets are essential before and during pregnancy and while breastfeeding to support maternal and child health.

Essential nutrition action (ENA) - Life-course

WHO/Europe is advancing NCD prevention by supporting countries to implement evidence-based policies that give measurable results. WHO is committed to supporting countries in creating a healthier living environment for all citizens of the Region. Nutritious, safe diets are essential before and during pregnancy and while breastfeeding to support maternal and child health. From 6 months onwards, breastfeeding should continue alongside the introduction of safe, diverse and nutrient-dense complementary foods. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of life to ensure optimal growth, development and health.

Nutrition and Food Safety News - September-October 2025

Launch of the WHO guideline on policies and interventions to create healthy school food environments However, the basic principles of healthy diets remain the same for everyone. Opting for a balanced, adequate and varied diet is an important step towards a healthy lifestyle. Here is some useful information, based on WHO recommendations, to follow a healthy diet, and the benefits of doing so. In the first 2 years of a child’s life, optimal nutrition fosters healthy growth and improves cognitive development. Go to your nearest health facility to check out the health services, screenings and treatment that are accessible to you. Health professionals can help find and diagnose health issues early, when your chances for treatment and cure are better. ShimizuRegular check-ups can help find health problems before they start. Hand hygiene is critical not only for health workers but for everyone. Make sure you only take antibiotics if prescribed by a qualified health professional. But today, as we recommit to the health of mothers, children and generations yet unborn, we know our work is more vital than ever. We have led the first global treaty to fight tobacco. The health of women and children is of particular importance to us, and the second pillar of our Roadmap reaffirms investments in women, girls, adolescents, and vulnerable populations. This means that when we improve the health of our people today, the effects ripple across time and to uplift generations yet unborn. A healthy diet comprises a combination of different foods. Governments have a central role in creating a healthy food environment that enables people to adopt and maintain healthy dietary practices. Improving population diets through regulatory measures—such as restrictions on unhealthy food marketing, front-of-pack labeling, and fiscal policies—has... WHO regularly monitors the adoption and implementation of food environment policies and their impact on population dietary intake and health. A healthy diet starts early in life with adequate breastfeeding.The benefits of a healthy diet are reflected in higher educational outcomes,productivity and lifelong health. WHO works with countries to integrate best practices to prevent and treat NCDs at all levels of care. As a next step, WHO/Europe analysed how specific public health measures can have a positive impact on population health across Europe and central Asia in as little as 5 years. Continued breastfeeding is encouraged up to 2 years of age and beyond, as it remains an important source of nutrition and immune protection. Healthy diets can also contribute to an adequate body weight. Being free of disease or infirmity is not a requirement for healthy ageing, as many older adults have one or more health conditions that, when well controlled, have little influence on their wellbeing. There are different types of fats, but unsaturated fats are preferable over saturated fats and trans-fats. This will help prevent unhealthy weight gain and NCDs. Reduce intake of harmful fats WHO recommends consuming less than 5% of total energy intake for additional health benefits.

• Healthy diets can also contribute to an adequate body weight.
• WHO defines healthy ageing as “the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age.” Functional ability is about having the capabilities that enable all people to be and do what they have reason to value.
• A reduction to less than 5% of total energy intake would provide additional health benefits (7).
• The establishment of a specialized international health organization was first proposed in April 1945, when diplomats met in San Francisco to form the United Nations.
• WHO has also developed region-specific tools (such as regional nutrient profile models) that countries can use to implement the marketing recommendations.
• The health of everyone we hold near and dear demands nothing less.

Healthy dietary practices start early in life. Alcohol consumption is causally linked to over 200 health conditions and other risks, including liver diseases, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, road injuries, violence and suicide. Lifelong tobacco smokers lose at least 10 years of life on average. Use of smokeless tobacco products can result in serious, sometimes fatal, health problems. (14) Global strategy on diet, physical activity and health.

• You can improve your intake of fruits and vegetables by always including veggies in your meal; eating fresh fruit and vegetables as snacks; eating a variety of fruits and vegetables; and eating them in season.
• In 2010, the Health Assembly endorsed a set of recommendations on the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children (15).
• WHO works with countries to integrate best practices to prevent and treat NCDs at all levels of care.
• What constitutes a healthy diet may differ depending on individual needs, locally available foods, dietary customs, cultural norms and other considerations.
• The level of intrinsic capacity is influenced by several factors such as the presence of diseases, injuries and age-related changes.
• Reduce intake of harmful fats
• Strengthening our primary healthcare systems to deliver inclusive, equitable care is essential and is our preferred approach to achieving UHC.
• Have your blood pressure checked regularly by a health worker so you know your numbers.
• In 2013, the Health Assembly agreed to nine global voluntary targets for the prevention and control of NCDs.

This document was prepared in support of the publication "WHO reference protocol for measuring fatty acids in foods, with emphasis on monitoring trans-fatty... Assessing and monitoring TFA content in the food supply is one of the key action areas for countries in order to eliminate TFA. The nature of access to food requires broader solutions at the societal level to promote safe and healthy food options. The ‘hopeful futures’ we want for our people demands a strong, resilient and active WHO. This is key to public health outcomes and health equity. We are seeing this globally, regionally and at the country level. Do they pose a risk to your health? Vitamin A deficiency remains a leading cause of preventable blindness in children and also increases the risks of severe illness or death from infections.... Preventing noncommunicable diseases The health of mothers and their newborns, therefore, is vital not just for our communities today, but for all who will come after us. This WHO constitution came into force two years later, on 7 April 1948 – a day we since mark as World Health Day – marking the beginning of our Organization, born from the hopes of healthier futures for all to come. Policy should be framed to improve the functional ability of all older people, whether they are robust, care dependent or in between.

• Once you do, you will experience immediate and long-term health benefits.
• Smoked tobacco products, including water pipes, contain over 7000 chemicals, including at least 250 chemicals known to be toxic or to cause cancer.
• South-East Asia Region is guided by our Regional Roadmap for Results and Resilience, the first pillar of which focusses on the importance of mental health, well-being, and quality of life of our people.
• (14) Global strategy on diet, physical activity and health.
• Vitamin A deficiency remains a leading cause of preventable blindness in children and also increases the risks of severe illness or death from infections....
• Continued breastfeeding is encouraged up to 2 years of age and beyond, as it remains an important source of nutrition and immune protection.
• This is because many people who have hypertension may not be aware of the problem as it may not have any symptoms.

Nutrition and Food Safety News - May-June 2025

Strengthening our primary healthcare systems to deliver inclusive, equitable care is essential and is our preferred approach to achieving UHC. At the heart of our efforts is Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which aims to provide a healthcare system where everyone can access quality services without financial burden. However, while we have made progress regionally, these advancements are spread unevenly across our countries. A healthy diet is a foundation for health, well-being, optimal growth and development.It protects against all forms of malnutrition. A healthy diet is essential for good health and nutrition. Excess calories from foods and drinks high in free sugars also contribute to unhealthy weight gain, which can lead to overweight and obesity. Having considered the ‘healthy beginnings’ - of WHO, and at the start of life - let us turn to ‘hopeful futures.’ The future of the health and wellbeing of mothers and children is inescapably intertwined with the future of WHO. By eating healthy,  you will reduce your risk of malnutrition and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer.

• WHO is helping countries to implement the commitments made at ICN2.
• A healthy diet is essential for good health and nutrition.
• ShimizuRegular check-ups can help find health problems before they start.
• People are often unaware of the amount of salt they consume.
• WHO is urging action by Governments and the food industry to remove industrial trans fat from our food chain.
• Being free of disease or infirmity is not a requirement for healthy ageing, as many older adults have one or more health conditions that, when well controlled, have little influence on their wellbeing.

Learn more about healthy nutrition in the WHO/Europe factsheet linked on this webpage. These foods should be prepared without added salt or sugar. It is important to have a diet that includes a variety of foods across all food groups. Tobacco use or exposure to tobacco smoking affects almost all organs of the human body and has a negative impact on health across the life course. (15) Set of recommendations on the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children. South-East Asia Region is guided by our Regional Roadmap for Results and Resilience, the first pillar of which focusses on the importance of mental health, well-being, and quality of life of our people. WHO defines healthy ageing as “the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age.” Functional ability is about having the capabilities that enable all people to be and do what they have reason to value. Every person – in every country in the world – should have the opportunity to live a long and healthy life. In both adults and children, the intake of free sugars should be reduced. WHO is urging action by Governments and the food industry to remove industrial trans fat from our food chain.

Healthy diet for infants and children

The level of intrinsic capacity is influenced by several factors such as the presence of diseases, injuries and age-related changes. Functional ability consists of the intrinsic capacity of the individual, relevant environmental characteristics and the interaction between them. Healthy ageing is about creating the environments and opportunities that enable people to be and do what they value throughout their lives. Environments are highly influential on our behaviour, our exposure to health risks (for example, air pollution or violence), our access to quality health and social care and the opportunities that ageing brings. Yet, the environments in which we live can favour health or be harmful to it.