National Nutrition Week 2022: Celebrating a World of Flavors

Highlights:

A nutritious diet protects one from chronic illness and leads them towards a happy and long life
In India, few people are malnourished whereas some are obese due to bad lifestyle choices
National Nutrition Week is celebrated from September 1-7 every year to educate people about the importance of nutrition

National Nutrition Week 2022 is observed from September 1-7 in India to raise awareness among people about the value of healthy eating practices and proper nutrition for upholding a healthy lifestyle. This week-long program is conducted by The Food and Nutrition Board of India, under the aegis of the Ministry of Women and Child Development ().

Let’s continue to read and find out more about National Nutrition Week 2022 celebrations in India.

Nutrition Facts - Energy
Energy is the capacity to do work. Carbohydrates, proteins and fats are metabolized to provide energy. Energy is measured in kilocalories or joules.

‘National Nutrition Week 2022 theme ‘Celebrate a World of Flavors’ motivates people to lead a healthy lifestyle while enjoying the flavors of food throughout the world.’
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How Did National Nutrition Week Start?

The National Nutrition Week was first established in 1975 by the members of the American Dietetic Association, which is now known as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

It was first observed in India in 1982 when the Government of India began a drive to inform its people and motivate them on how to live a long and healthy life ().

A Balanced Diet
Balanced diet comprises of macronutrients and micronutrients besides water that is required for the optimal functioning of the body.

National Nutrition Week 2022 Theme

Each year, National Nutrition Week is celebrated with a unique theme. The theme for this year is ‘Celebrate a World of Flavors’ which encourages people to have a healthy lifestyle while enjoying the flavors of food.

Diet or Drug - Which Impacts Health More?
Researchers discovered that dietary composition had a far more powerful effect than drugs, which largely dampened responses to diet rather than reshaped them.

Why National Nutrition Week is Celebrated?

A nutritious diet holds key to one’s health. In the current stressful world, where a sedentary lifestyle is causing heart ailments in young people, it is increasingly important to focus on the right food, which gives us adequate nutrition.

Obesity is becoming a major issue in urban India. On the other hand, there is a very serious problem of hunger and malnourishment that is affecting a large part of the population, especially in rural areas. According to Global Hunger Health Index Report 2021, India ranked 101st among 116 countries. This means we have a long way to go to ensure that all our people have access to a nutritious diet.

Eat Your Way to Good Health
A balanced diet is the cornerstone of good health. With diabetes, obesity, heart ailments rapidly emerging as a major health challenge we really need to look into our lifestyles.

Facts About Malnutrition in India

Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person’s intake of nutrients. It includes undernutrition, vitamin or mineral deficiency, overweight, obesity, and diet-related noncommunicable diseases (such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers) ().

38.4% of children under age 5 are stunted, and 46% are underweight for their age.
Abnormally low weight for the child’s height affects 19% of children under the age of 3.
Overall, girls and boys are about equally likely to be undernourished.
Most children under age 5 are anemic (79.2%). The prevalence is slightly higher in rural areas and among non-educated mothers.
Overweight and obesity affect almost 15% of women and 12% of men in India.
Only 51 percent of Indian households use adequately iodized salt.

How to Celebrate National Nutrition Week 2022?

National Nutrition Week is India’s biggest Good Food and Nutrition celebration from 1 – 7 September 2022. This week is celebrated in the following ways ():

A live web-based series of nutrition events on India’s landmark health and wellbeing forum is showcased throughout the week.
Bringing relevant ministries, government and private organizations, global and national level health and good food organizations, policymakers, corporate, and social organizations working at the grassroots level, top nutrition, good food and diet experts, and doctors on a live web interaction with target audiences.
Providing insight on the government schemes, complete healthy dietary practices, and awareness on women & child nutrition.
Mass Penetration through Multiple Active Social Media Platforms and videos.
Bharat Poshan Premier Quiz is India’s largest virtual quiz, which attracts schools, students, and their parents pan India. This virtual quiz focuses on good food, nutrition, and healthy eating practices and is engaging, informative, and an exciting learning experience for young and growing kids with a much-needed interest in quality food and healthy living.
Healthy Khayega India is driven by social media influencers, top nutritionists, and chefs, who cook healthy dishes online, to promote healthy food practices among people.

From this week onwards, let us all focus more on nutritious dishes with good taste for a happy and long life.

References:

National Nutrition Week - (https://wcd.nic.in/events/national-nutirtion-week)
Malnutrition - (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malnutrition)
Overview of Malnutrition Situation in India - (https://motherchildnutrition.org/india/overview-india.html)
About Nutrition Week 2022 - (https://www.ihwcouncil.org/bharat-nutrition-week/)

Source-Medindia