Diet and Nutrition in the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases

Abstract

Worldwide non-communicable diseases (NCDs) occur due to multiple etiological factors impacting development and economic progress. Developing countries have dual burden of diseases viz., under and over nutrition, which are critical
public health challenges. NCDs occur a decade earlier in India. Changing economic scenario, evolving agriculture practices, rapid strides in industrialization, migration, urbanization, globalization and trade liberalization impact the food environment. The resulting dietary transitions lead to replacement of whole/coarse grains/grams with refined foods. Availability,
affordability and accessibility of energy- dense foods with excess unhealthy fat, sugar, salt and animal foods, have replaced traditional foods. The intake of healthy horticulture produce such as vegetables, fruits, legumes/pulses, nuts, seeds and fish are inadequate. Broad diversified dietary patterns rather than single foods/nutrients have healthy outcomes. Excess alcohol and tobacco add to the insults. Physical activity has reduced in all segments of the population and domains of physical activity. These steering dynamics change the lifestyles leading to obesity and shifting disease patterns which have overwhelming effects on human capital and the health system. Proactive prevention with comprehensive policies cutting across several risk factors with consensus from all stake holders including the private segment is essential to tide over the
crisis. The WHO has committed to reduce under-nutrition, obesity and diet-related NCDs, monitor policy response and catalyse effective actions to achieve specified targets by 2025. The national governments must create the enabling environment to achieve the same. India has initiated action-oriented program for risk reduction with the Health Ministry as the nodal agent for NCD prevention and control.