ICMR dietary guidelines

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: The Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) released 17 dietary guidelines emphasizing the importance of healthy eating habits to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like obesity and diabetes.

Issues:

• Over 56% of India’s total disease burden is linked to unhealthy diets

• Vulnerable Groups: Optimal nutrition during critical periods like pregnancy, lactation, and early childhood is crucial. Alarming rates of lifestyle-related conditions among children and adolescents necessitate targeted interventions.

• Dual Nutrition Challenge: Micronutrient deficiencies and anaemia prevail among children aged 1 to 19, alongside rising obesity rates, indicating the dual challenge of undernutrition and overnutrition.

17 Dietary Guidelines include:

Dietary Guidelines

Eat a variety of foods to ensure a balanced diet

Pregnant women and new mothers should have access to extra food and healthcare

Ensure exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months; continue breastfeeding till two years and beyond

After six months of age, the infant should be fed homemade semi-solid complementary foods

Ensure adequate and appropriate diets for children and adolescents in health and sickness

Eat plenty of vegetables and legumes

Use oil/fats in moderation; choose a variety of oil seeds, nuts etc. to meet daily needs of fats and essential fatty acids

Obtain good quality proteins and essential amino acids; avoid protein supplements to build muscle mass

Adopt a healthy lifestyle to prevent abdominal obesity, overweight and overall obesity

Be physically active, exercise regularly

Restrict salt intake

Consume safe and clean foods

Ensure appropriate pre-cooking and cooking methods are used

Drink plenty of water

Minimize the consumption of ultra-processed foods and high-fat, sugar, salt

Prioritize nutrient-rich foods in the diets of elderly people

Read information on food labels

About ICMR:

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) (founded 1911; HQ: New Delhi) is India’s top biomedical research organization, responsible for formulating, coordinating, and promoting medical research. Its mission includes conducting and implementing medical research for societal benefit and translating innovations into public health solutions. Funded by the Government of India through the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.