Healthy diet

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. 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. 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. Reducing salt intake to the recommended level of less than 5 g per day could prevent 1.7 million deaths each year (12).

Unhealthy diet is one of theleading risks for the global burden of disease, mainly for noncommunicablediseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer.
However, healthy diets can be inaccessible, particularly in low- andmiddle-income countries, and also in places and situations with high rates offood insecurity.
Effects of total fat intake on body weight.
There are different types of fats, but unsaturated fats are preferable over saturated fats and trans-fats.
Learn more about healthy nutrition in the WHO/Europe factsheet linked on this webpage.
Launch of WHO guideline on fortification of edible oils and fats with vitamins A and D for public health
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).
From 2016 to 2023, our Maternal Mortality reduced by an average of 5.1% per year – more than three times the global reduction rate.

But today, as we recommit to the health of mothers, children and generations yet unborn, we know our work is more vital than ever. 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. 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.

Tackling the obesity epidemic

By promoting comprehensive strategies, WHO/Europe helps countries to create healthier environments that empower people to make nutritious choices and reduce NCD risks.
Preventing noncommunicable diseases
However, the basic principles of healthy diets remain the same for everyone.
Launch of the WHO guideline on policies and interventions to create healthy school food environments
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.
BMI is also recommended for use in children and adolescents.
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.
Reduce your salt intake to 5g per day, equivalent to about one teaspoon.
In children, BMI is calculated as for adults and then compared to z-scores or percentiles.

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. 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. Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest public health threats in our generation. 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. 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 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.
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.
Reduce intake of harmful fats
If your blood pressure is high, get the advice of a health worker.
Here are 10 practical health tips to help you start off towards healthy living in 2025.
However, the basic principles of what constitutes a healthy diet remain the same.
NCD quick buys – public health impact in 5 years or less

BMI is a measure for indicating nutritional status in adults. Episode #91 - Everything you need to know about trans fat Around the world, an estimated 3 billion people cannot access safe,nutritious and sufficient food. Go to your nearest health facility to check out the health services, screenings and treatment that are accessible to you. 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

Nutrition for a healthy life – WHO recommendations

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 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.

In the first 2 years of a child’s life, optimal nutrition fosters healthy growth and improves cognitive development.
Excess calories from foods and drinks high in free sugars also contribute to unhealthy weight gain, which can lead to overweight and obesity.
Around the world, an estimated 3 billion people cannot access safe,nutritious and sufficient food.
World Health Assembly re-commits to global nutrition targets and marketing regulations
Governments have a central role in creating a healthy food environment that enables people to adopt and maintain healthy dietary practices.
Increase moderate-intensity physical activity to 300 minutes per week for additional health benefits.
But today, as we recommit to the health of mothers, children and generations yet unborn, we know our work is more vital than ever.
Eat a combination of different foods, including fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains.
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.

(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. We have led the first global treaty to fight tobacco. This is key to public health outcomes and health equity. We are seeing this globally, regionally and at the country level. 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. Vitamin A deficiency remains a leading cause of preventable blindness in children and also increases the risks of severe illness or death from infections.... 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 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 WHO engages with food manufacturers on improving the nutrition profile of their products. If left uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to heart, brain, kidney and other diseases. 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. Monitoring weight, eating healthily and staying active will help to maintain a healthy BMI. 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. 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. A reduction to less than 5% of total energy intake would provide additional health benefits (7). However, healthy diets can be inaccessible, particularly in low- andmiddle-income countries, and also in places and situations with high rates offood insecurity. By eating healthy, you will reduce your risk of malnutrition and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer. A healthy diet comprises a combination of different foods.

Do not smoke and do not use any other types of tobacco or nicotine products

Healthy diet for pregnant and postpartum women

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. 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.
Improving population diets through regulatory measures—such as restrictions on unhealthy food marketing, front-of-pack labeling, and fiscal policies—has...
Strengthening our primary healthcare systems to deliver inclusive, equitable care is essential and is our preferred approach to achieving UHC.
Use of smokeless tobacco products can result in serious, sometimes fatal, health problems.
However, while we have made progress regionally, these advancements are spread unevenly across our countries.
The health of mothers and their newborns, therefore, is vital not just for our communities today, but for all who will come after us.
Learn more about the benefits of physical activity in the WHO/Europe factsheet linked on this webpage.
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).

However, the basic principles of healthy diets remain the same for everyone. Here is some useful information, based on WHO recommendations, to follow a healthy diet, and the benefits of doing so. 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. In the first 2 years of a child’s life, optimal nutrition fosters healthy growth and improves cognitive development.

If left uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to heart, brain, kidney and other diseases.
Do they pose a risk to your health?
A healthy diet is essential for good health and nutrition.
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.
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).
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 is committed to supporting countries in these efforts.
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 is essential for good health and nutrition. Governments have a central role in creating a healthy food environment that enables people to adopt and maintain healthy dietary practices. Excess calories from foods and drinks high in free sugars also contribute to unhealthy weight gain, which can lead to overweight and obesity. 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. 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. This means that when we improve the health of our people today, the effects ripple across time and to uplift generations yet unborn. 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. NCD quick buys – public health impact in 5 years or less WHO is committed to supporting countries in these efforts.

Everyday actions for better health – WHO recommendations

Nutrition for a healthy life WHO recommendations

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. Unhealthy diet is one of theleading risks for the global burden of disease, mainly for noncommunicablediseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. 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).

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

Higher BMI increases the risk of NCDs, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. 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? 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... In 2010, the Health Assembly endorsed a set of recommendations on the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children (15). 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). 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. By promoting comprehensive strategies, WHO/Europe helps countries to create healthier environments that empower people to make nutritious choices and reduce NCD risks. 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. 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. It is important to have a diet that includes a variety of foods across all food groups. 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. 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.

Healthy diets for healthy ageing

(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. 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. For infants and young children

Start the new year with the evergreen resolution to lead a healthier lifestyle. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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

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. 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 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. What constitutes a healthy diet may differ depending on individual needs, locally available foods, dietary customs, cultural norms and other considerations. 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. We have prevented hundreds of millions from death, disease and infirmity. 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. Enjoy a healthy, balanced diet

Essential nutrition action (ENA) - Older people

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). 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. The health of mothers and their newborns, therefore, is vital not just for our communities today, but for all who will come after us.

By eating healthy, you will reduce your risk of malnutrition and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer.
Monitoring weight, eating healthily and staying active will help to maintain a healthy BMI.
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.
WHO works with countries to integrate best practices to prevent and treat NCDs at all levels of care.
These foods should be prepared without added salt or sugar.
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 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. 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. A healthy diet is a foundation for health, well-being, optimal growth and development.It protects against all forms of malnutrition. 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