56% of disease burden in India is due to unhealthy diet: ICMR report, ET HealthWorld

NEW DELHI: Unhealthy dietary habits are estimated to be responsible for 56.4 per cent of the total disease burden in India, the ICMR said on Wednesday as it released 17 dietary guidelines to meet the requirements of essential nutrients and prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity and diabetes.

A healthy diet and exercise can significantly reduce the rates of coronary heart disease (CHD) and hypertension (HTN) and prevent type 2 diabetes by up to 80 percent, the apex health research body, the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) said.

“A significant proportion of premature deaths could be avoided by adopting a healthy lifestyle,” the report said, adding that increased consumption of highly processed foods high in sugar and fat, combined with reduced physical activity and limited access to a diverse range of foods, are exacerbating the problems of micronutrient deficiencies and obesity.

The NIN recommended limiting salt intake, consuming oils and fats in moderation, engaging in appropriate physical activity and minimizing sugar and ultra-processed foods.

He also suggested adopting a healthy lifestyle to prevent obesity and reading food labels to make educated healthy food choices.

The Dietary Guidelines for Indians (DGI) were drafted by a multidisciplinary committee of experts led by Dr Hemalata R, Director, ICMR-NIN, and have undergone several rounds of scientific review.

The DGI contains 17 guidelines.

“Through the DGI, we emphasise that the most logical, sustainable and long-term solution to all forms of malnutrition is to ensure availability, accessibility and affordability of nutrient-rich foods while promoting consumption of diverse foods. The guidelines contain science-based information that will facilitate achievement of the goals stated in the National Nutrition Policy,” Hemlata said.

Indian eating habits have changed significantly over the past few decades and while the prevalence of non-communicable diseases has increased, nutritional deficiencies remain a problem, said Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director General of ICMR.

“We are pleased that these guidelines, with their practical messages and suggestions on addressing food safety, such as choosing less processed foods, the importance of food labelling and physical activity, make them highly relevant to India’s changing food landscape. We are confident that these guidelines will complement the government’s efforts to promote the overall nutrition and health of the population,” Bahl said.

On non-communicable diseases, the NIN said 34 percent of children aged between five and nine years suffer from hypertriglyceridemia.

A balanced diet should have no more than 45 percent of calories from cereals and grains, and no more than 15 percent from legumes and meat, with the remaining calories coming from nuts, vegetables, fruit and milk, the guidelines say.

According to the National Institute of India (NIN), limited availability and high prices of pulses and meat mean a large section of Indians are heavily dependent on cereals, resulting in inadequate intake of essential macronutrients (essential amino acids and essential fatty acids) and micronutrients.

Low intake of essential nutrients can disrupt metabolism and increase the risk of insulin resistance and related diseases at an early age, the report said.