Nutrition for a healthy life WHO recommendations

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. Diet evolves over time, being influenced by many social and economic factors that interact in a complex manner to shape individual dietary patterns.

• Have your blood pressure checked regularly by a health worker so you know your numbers.
• Fats consumed should be less than 30% of your total energy intake.
• Learn more about the benefits of physical activity in the WHO/Europe factsheet linked on this webpage.
• Reduce intake of harmful fats
• Episode #91 - Everything you need to know about trans fat
• WHO recommends consuming less than 5% of total energy intake for additional health benefits.
• Healthy ageing is about creating the environments and opportunities that enable people to be and do what they value throughout their lives.
• Healthy dietary practices start early in life.

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. 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. In the first 2 years of a child’s life, optimal nutrition fosters healthy growth and improves cognitive development. 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.

Supporting policymakers to overcome opposition to regulatory policies for improving population diets

• 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.
• Continued breastfeeding is encouraged up to 2 years of age and beyond, as it remains an important source of nutrition and immune protection.
• Once you do, you will experience immediate and long-term health benefits.
• BMI is a measure for indicating nutritional status in adults.
• WHO engages with food manufacturers on improving the nutrition profile of their products.
• However, healthy diets can be inaccessible, particularly in low- andmiddle-income countries, and also in places and situations with high rates offood insecurity.
• WHO is urging action by Governments and the food industry to remove industrial trans fat from our food chain.
• In 2010, the Health Assembly endorsed a set of recommendations on the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children (15).

Monitoring weight, eating healthily and staying active will help to maintain a healthy BMI. 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. 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... Preventing noncommunicable diseases World Health Assembly re-commits to global nutrition targets and marketing regulations 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. BMI is also recommended for use in children and adolescents. BMI was developed as a risk indicator of disease. BMI is a measure for indicating nutritional status in adults. Higher BMI increases the risk of NCDs, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. Here is some useful information, based on WHO recommendations, to follow a healthy diet, and the benefits of doing so. (15) Set of recommendations on the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children. In 2010, the Health Assembly endorsed a set of recommendations on the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children (15). 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. 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. 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 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. This is because many people who have hypertension may not be aware of the problem as it may not have any symptoms.

Healthy ageing and functional ability

(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. 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). Vitamin A deficiency remains a leading cause of preventable blindness in children and also increases the risks of severe illness or death from infections.... Launch of WHO guideline on fortification of edible oils and fats with vitamins A and D for public health Countries and global leaders recognized for their action to tackle the obesity crisis 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. By promoting comprehensive strategies, WHO/Europe helps countries to create healthier environments that empower people to make nutritious choices and reduce NCD risks. 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. 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. 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). 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. WHO/Europe is advancing nutrition and obesity prevention by supporting countries in implementing evidence-based policies that reshape food environments and strengthen health systems. 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. 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. Alcohol consumption is causally linked to over 200 health conditions, including liver diseases, road injuries, violence, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, suicides, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. 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. 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. Opting for a balanced, adequate and varied diet is an important step towards a healthy lifestyle. It is important to have a diet that includes a variety of foods across all food groups. 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. Use of smokeless tobacco products can result in serious, sometimes fatal, health problems. 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. (9) Comprehensive implementation plan on maternal, infant and young child nutrition.

Essential nutrition action (ENA) - Older people

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. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of life to ensure optimal growth, development and health. Healthy diets can also contribute to an adequate body weight. 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. WHO/Europe is advancing NCD prevention by supporting countries to implement evidence-based policies that give measurable results.

WHO's department of nutrition and food safety: key achievements 2023

Reduce intake of harmful fats 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.

Nutrition and Food Safety News - May-June 2025

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. You should handwash using soap and water when your hands are visibly soiled or handrub using an alcohol-based product. 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. 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. 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.

• Opting for a balanced, adequate and varied diet is an important step towards a healthy lifestyle.
• 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.
• Hand hygiene is critical not only for health workers but for everyone.
• Improving population diets through regulatory measures—such as restrictions on unhealthy food marketing, front-of-pack labeling, and fiscal policies—has...
• 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.
• Diet evolves over time, being influenced by many social and economic factors that interact in a complex manner to shape individual dietary patterns.
• 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.
• (14) Global strategy on diet, physical activity and health.

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. Start the new year with the evergreen resolution to lead a healthier lifestyle. Episode #91 - Everything you need to know about trans fat

• The following list of principles for a healthy diet was compiled on the basis of WHO recommendations.
• 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.
• 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.
• What constitutes a healthy diet may differ depending on individual needs, locally available foods, dietary customs, cultural norms and other considerations.
• These targets include a halt to the rise in diabetes and obesity, and a 30% relative reduction in the intake of salt by 2025.
• Make sure you only take antibiotics if prescribed by a qualified health professional.
• (15) Set of recommendations on the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children.
• WHO is helping countries to implement the commitments made at ICN2.

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. WHO is urging action by Governments and the food industry to remove industrial trans fat from our food chain. 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.

Essential nutrition action (ENA) - Life-course

Healthy dietary practices start early in life. Learn more about the harms of alcohol use in the WHO/Europe factsheet linked on this webpage. 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. 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. Do they pose a risk to your health?

• The level of intrinsic capacity is influenced by several factors such as the presence of diseases, injuries and age-related changes.
• In the first 2 years of a child’s life, optimal nutrition fosters healthy growth and improves cognitive development.
• Learn more about the harms of alcohol use from the WHO/Europe fact sheet linked on this webpage.
• Learn more about the harms of alcohol use in the WHO/Europe factsheet linked on this webpage.
• From 6 months onwards, breastfeeding should continue alongside the introduction of safe, diverse and nutrient-dense complementary foods.
• Monitoring weight, eating healthily and staying active will help to maintain a healthy BMI.
• It protects you against many chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
• WHO/Europe is advancing NCD prevention by supporting countries to implement evidence-based policies that give measurable results.
• Start the new year with the evergreen resolution to lead a healthier lifestyle.

What constitutes a healthy diet may differ depending on individual needs, locally available foods, dietary customs, cultural norms and other considerations. However, healthy diets can be inaccessible, particularly in low- andmiddle-income countries, and also in places and situations with high rates offood insecurity. 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.

For infants and young children

• 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.
• Launch of WHO guideline on fortification of edible oils and fats with vitamins A and D for public health
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• Go to your nearest health facility to check out the health services, screenings and treatment that are accessible to you.

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. Once you do, you will experience immediate and long-term health benefits. Fats consumed should be less than 30% of your total energy intake.

• Consuming free sugars increases the risk of dental caries (tooth decay).
• 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.
• Around the world, an estimated 3 billion people cannot access safe,nutritious and sufficient food.
• Here is some useful information, based on WHO recommendations, to follow a healthy diet, and the benefits of doing so.
• 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).
• Yet, the environments in which we live can favour health or be harmful to it.
• Effects of total fat intake on body weight.
• Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of life to ensure optimal growth, development and health.

WHO is committed to supporting countries in these efforts. Learn more about the harms of alcohol use from the WHO/Europe fact sheet linked on this webpage. 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. In children, BMI is calculated as for adults and then compared to z-scores or percentiles. 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. 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 obesity prevention and management at all levels of care.
• 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.
• There are different types of fats, but unsaturated fats are preferable over saturated fats and trans-fats.
• BMI is also recommended for use in children and adolescents.
• A healthy diet comprises a combination of different foods.
• By promoting comprehensive strategies, WHO/Europe helps countries to create healthier environments that empower people to make nutritious choices and reduce NCD risks.
• WHO is committed to supporting countries in creating a healthier living environment for all citizens of the Region.
• Promoting physical activity and healthy diets for healthy ageing in the WHO European Region

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. 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. 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. Every person – in every country in the world – should have the opportunity to live a long and healthy life. WHO works with countries to integrate obesity prevention and management at all levels of care. 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. 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. A reduction to less than 5% of total energy intake would provide additional health benefits (7). In both adults and children, the intake of free sugars should be reduced to less than 10% of total energy intake (2, 7). Promoting physical activity and healthy diets for healthy ageing in the WHO European Region 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. 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. 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). Policy should be framed to improve the functional ability of all older people, whether they are robust, care dependent or in between. The level of intrinsic capacity is influenced by several factors such as the presence of diseases, injuries and age-related changes. By eating healthy,  you will reduce your risk of malnutrition and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer. 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. 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. A healthy diet is a foundation for health, well-being, optimal growth and development.It protects against all forms of malnutrition.