ICMR Releases Dietary Guidelines, Says 56.4% Of Disease Burden In India Due To Unhealthy Diets [Video]

The Indian Council of Medical Research and National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) released 17 dietary guidelines to prevent nutrient deficiencies, as well as address the rising risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases in India. Estimates show that 56.4 per cent of the total disease burden in India is due to unhealthy diets, the ICMR said on Wednesday.

The National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), under the apex health research body, stated that healthy diets and physical activity can reduce a substantial proportion of coronary heart disease (CHD), hypertension (HTN), and type 2 diabetes. It was also noted that adhering to healthy lifestyle practices could potentially prevent up to 80 per cent of type 2 diabetes cases and significantly reduce the risk of CHD and HTN. “A significant proportion of premature deaths can be averted by following a healthy lifestyle,” it said.

Recommendations For A Healthy Diet

The dietary guidelines put …