10 health tips for 2025

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. 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. Being able to live in environments that support and maintain one’s intrinsic capacity and functional ability is key to healthy ageing. The level of intrinsic capacity is influenced by several factors such as the presence of diseases, injuries and age-related changes. The ‘hopeful futures’ we want for our people demands a strong, resilient and active WHO. We have prevented hundreds of millions from death, disease and infirmity. This is key to public health outcomes and health equity. Strengthening our primary healthcare systems to deliver inclusive, equitable care is essential and is our preferred approach to achieving UHC.

For infants and young children

WHO recommends consuming less than 5% of total energy intake for additional health benefits. In both adults and children, the intake of free sugars should be reduced. 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.

Nutrition and Food Safety News - May-June 2025

Governments have a central role in creating a healthy food environment that enables people to adopt and maintain healthy dietary practices.
Reduce intake of harmful fats
In 2010, the Health Assembly endorsed a set of recommendations on the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children (15).
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).
Lifelong tobacco smokers lose at least 10 years of life on average.
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).
By eating healthy, you will reduce your risk of malnutrition and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer.
WHO has also developed region-specific tools (such as regional nutrient profile models) that countries can use to implement the marketing recommendations.
For these conditions, there is a direct link between the amount of alcohol consumed and the risk of developing the disease or dying from it – the more alcohol you drink, the higher the risk.

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. 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. 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. 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. Use of smokeless tobacco products can result in serious, sometimes fatal, health problems. (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. WHO has also developed region-specific tools (such as regional nutrient profile models) that countries can use to implement the marketing recommendations. However, healthy diets can be inaccessible, particularly in low- andmiddle-income countries, and also in places and situations with high rates offood insecurity. 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. 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.

Here are 10 practical health tips to help you start off towards healthy living in 2025.
Monitoring weight, eating healthily and staying active will help to maintain a healthy BMI.
During childhood and adolescence, the ratio between weight and height varies with sex and age, so the cut-off values that determine the nutritional status of those aged 0–19 years are gender- and age-specific.
WHO is committed to supporting countries in these efforts.
WHO is helping countries to implement the commitments made at ICN2.
As BMI increases, so does the risk for certain diseases.
If left uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to heart, brain, kidney and other diseases.
People are often unaware of the amount of salt they consume.
Consuming a healthy diet throughout the life-course helps to prevent malnutrition in all its forms as well as a range of NCDs and conditions.
From 6 months onwards, breastfeeding should continue alongside the introduction of safe, diverse and nutrient-dense complementary foods.

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. WHO works with countries to integrate obesity prevention and management at all levels of care. For these conditions, there is a direct link between the amount of alcohol consumed and the risk of developing the disease or dying from it – the more alcohol you drink, the higher the risk. The cut-off points of the 2006 BMI-for-age reference for children aged 0–5 years for the diagnosis of overweight and obesity were set as the 97th and the 99th percentile, respectively. BMI was developed as a risk indicator of disease. In both adults and children, the intake of free sugars should be reduced to less than 10% of total energy intake (2, 7). 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). It also reduces the risk of becoming overweight or obese and developing NCDs later in life. The health of everyone we hold near and dear demands nothing less. 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. This is because many people who have hypertension may not be aware of the problem as it may not have any symptoms. The amount of physical activity you need depends on your age group but adults aged years should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the week. It is important to have a diet that includes a variety of foods across all food groups. (15) Set of recommendations on the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children. (14) Global strategy on diet, physical activity and health. 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. Healthier food and healthier food environments at sports events

Healthier food and healthier food environments at sports events

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). 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. 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. But today, as we recommit to the health of mothers, children and generations yet unborn, we know our work is more vital than ever. Investing in policies and interventions that promote better diets, improve food systems and reduce alcohol use can contribute to healthier and more sustainable living environments across the WHO European Region. Although health status at older ages is mainly dependent on lifestyles established during adulthood and youth, the level of physical activity and quality of diet in older age are also important determinants of health, well-being, functional ability, mobility and independence. The following list of principles for a healthy diet was compiled on the basis of WHO recommendations. However, the basic principles of what constitutes a healthy diet remain the same. Launch of the WHO guideline on policies and interventions to create healthy school food environments In 2010, the Health Assembly endorsed a set of recommendations on the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children (15). 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). 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. The exact make-up of a diversified, balanced and healthy diet will vary depending on individual characteristics (such as age, gender, lifestyle and degree of physical activity), cultural context, locally available foods and dietary customs. 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). 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. 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. Here is some useful information, based on WHO recommendations, to follow a healthy diet, and the benefits of doing so.

How to promote healthy diets

WHO/Europe is advancing nutrition and obesity prevention by supporting countries in implementing evidence-based policies that reshape food environments and strengthen health systems. Consuming a healthy diet throughout the life-course helps to prevent malnutrition in all its forms as well as a range of NCDs and conditions. By eating healthy, you will reduce your risk of malnutrition and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer. What constitutes a healthy diet may differ depending on individual needs, locally available foods, dietary customs, cultural norms and other considerations.

Global sodium benchmarks for reducing sodium content in food products - WHO Webinar

Increase moderate-intensity physical activity to 300 minutes per week for additional health benefits. 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 Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of life to ensure optimal growth, development and health. Healthy dietary practices start early in life. 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. It protects you against many chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. A reduction to less than 5% of total energy intake would provide additional health benefits (7).

Essential nutrition action (ENA) - Older people

Learn more about healthy nutrition in the WHO/Europe factsheet linked on this webpage.
However, the basic principles of what constitutes a healthy diet remain the same.
In both adults and children, the intake of free sugars should be reduced.
Episode #91 - Everything you need to know about trans fat
Have your blood pressure checked regularly by a health worker so you know your numbers.
WHO/Europe is advancing nutrition and obesity prevention by supporting countries in implementing evidence-based policies that reshape food environments and strengthen health systems.
Healthy ageing is about creating the environments and opportunities that enable people to be and do what they value throughout their lives.
Learn more about the benefits of physical activity in the WHO/Europe factsheet linked on this webpage.

Yet, the environments in which we live can favour health or be harmful to it. NCD quick buys – public health impact in 5 years or less WHO is committed to supporting countries in these efforts. For those aged 5–19 years, overweight is defined as a BMI-for-age value over +1 standard deviation (SD) and obesity – as a BMI-for-age value over +2 SD. During childhood and adolescence, the ratio between weight and height varies with sex and age, so the cut-off values that determine the nutritional status of those aged 0–19 years are gender- and age-specific. This framework underscores integrating obesity prevention and treatment throughout the health system – from community and primary care to specialized services – and adopting a life-course approach to chronic care. Alcohol consumption is causally linked to over 200 health conditions, including liver diseases, road injuries, violence, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, suicides, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. Common conditions related to overweight and obesity include cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, certain types of cancer and diabetes. As BMI increases, so does the risk for certain diseases. 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 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... World Health Assembly re-commits to global nutrition targets and marketing regulations This document was prepared in support of the publication "WHO reference protocol for measuring fatty acids in foods, with emphasis on monitoring trans-fatty... The nature of access to food requires broader solutions at the societal level to promote safe and healthy food options. 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. Learn more about healthy nutrition in the WHO/Europe factsheet linked on this webpage. These foods should be prepared without added salt or sugar.

Global nutrition targets 2030: topical briefs on maternal, infant and young child nutrition

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. Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest public health threats in our generation.

The level of intrinsic capacity is influenced by several factors such as the presence of diseases, injuries and age-related changes.
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.
A healthy diet is essential for good health and nutrition.
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.
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.
"Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures" is our first World Health Day theme dedicated to maternal and newborn health since 2005.
BMI was developed as a risk indicator of disease.
Launch of the WHO guideline on policies and interventions to create healthy school food environments
Opting for a balanced, adequate and varied diet is an important step towards a healthy lifestyle.

Nutrition and Food Safety News - September-October 2025

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. "Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures" is our first World Health Day theme dedicated to maternal and newborn health since 2005. 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 promoting comprehensive strategies, WHO/Europe helps countries to create healthier environments that empower people to make nutritious choices and reduce NCD risks. BMI is a measure for indicating nutritional status in adults. 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. Countries and global leaders recognized for their action to tackle the obesity crisis 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. Learn more about the benefits of physical activity in the WHO/Europe factsheet linked on this webpage. 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. For all of these, there is a direct link between the amount of alcohol consumed and the likelihood of illness, injury or death – the more alcohol you drink, the higher the risk. Lifelong tobacco smokers lose at least 10 years of life on average.

Although health status at older ages is mainly dependent on lifestyles established during adulthood and youth, the level of physical activity and quality of diet in older age are also important determinants of health, well-being, functional ability, mobility and independence.
Investing in policies and interventions that promote better diets, improve food systems and reduce alcohol use can contribute to healthier and more sustainable living environments across the WHO European Region.
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).
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.
This will help prevent unhealthy weight gain and NCDs.
Do they pose a risk to your health?
WHO works with countries to integrate obesity prevention and management at all levels of care.

Start the new year with the evergreen resolution to lead a healthier lifestyle. WHO is urging action by Governments and the food industry to remove industrial trans fat from our food chain. 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.... Once you do, you will experience immediate and long-term health benefits. Smoking tobacco causes NCDs such as lung disease, heart disease and stroke. Fats consumed should be less than 30% of your total energy intake. 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. 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. Policy should be framed to improve the functional ability of all older people, whether they are robust, care dependent or in between. Healthy ageing is about creating the environments and opportunities that enable people to be and do what they value throughout their lives. General guiding principles for a healthy diet

General guiding principles for a healthy diet

In the first 2 years of a child’s life, optimal nutrition fosters healthy growth and improves cognitive development. 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. 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. Every person – in every country in the world – should have the opportunity to live a long and healthy life. Assessing and monitoring TFA content in the food supply is one of the key action areas for countries in order to eliminate TFA. Launch of WHO guideline on fortification of edible oils and fats with vitamins A and D for public health Preventing noncommunicable diseases 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. In children, BMI is calculated as for adults and then compared to z-scores or percentiles. BMI is also recommended for use in children and adolescents. BMI ranges are based on the effect that excessive body fat has on disease and death, and are reasonably well related to adiposity.

Nutritious, safe diets are essential before and during pregnancy and while breastfeeding to support maternal and child health.
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.
Policy should be framed to improve the functional ability of all older people, whether they are robust, care dependent or in between.
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...
Alcohol consumption is causally linked to over 200 health conditions, including liver diseases, road injuries, violence, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, suicides, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
These foods should be prepared without added salt or sugar.
It also reduces the risk of becoming overweight or obese and developing NCDs later in life.

World Health Day 2025 - Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures

You can reduce your sugar intake by limiting the consumption of sugary snacks, candies and sugar-sweetened beverages.
Go to your nearest health facility to check out the health services, screenings and treatment that are accessible to you.
Being able to live in environments that support and maintain one’s intrinsic capacity and functional ability is key to healthy ageing.
Preventing noncommunicable diseases
Here is some useful information, based on WHO recommendations, to follow a healthy diet, and the benefits of doing so.
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.
World Health Assembly re-commits to global nutrition targets and marketing regulations

Monitoring weight, eating healthily and staying active will help to maintain a healthy BMI. Higher BMI increases the risk of NCDs, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. If left uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to heart, brain, kidney and other diseases. Promoting physical activity and healthy diets for healthy ageing in the WHO European Region 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. 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.