ICMR Releases Comprehensive Dietary Guidelines to Combat NCDs and Better the Nutrition in India

The DGIs, consisting of 17 thematic chapters, aim to guide the population in making informed food choices that are accessible, affordable and nutritious.

9 May 2024

By Ishika Kumar

In a significant public health announcement, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) introduced a set of dietary guidelines aimed at improving nutrition and preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Indians. Unveiled on Wednesday by the ICMR’s top officials, these guidelines stress the importance of dietary diversity and balanced nutrition to meet the essential nutrient needs of individuals across all age groups.

Evidence-Based Recommendations to Foster Healthy Eating Habits

Drafted by a multidisciplinary expert committee led by Dr Hemalatha R, Director of the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN), Hyderabad, the new Dietary Guidelines for Indians (DGIs) encompass a robust, scientifically reviewed framework. The DGIs, consisting of 17 thematic chapters, aim to guide the population in making informed food choices that are accessible, affordable and nutritious.

Central to these guidelines is the concept of  ‘my plate of the day,’ which advocates that half of a person’s daily plate should comprise vegetables, fruits, green leafy vegetables, roots and tubers. The other half should include cereals and millets, pulses, flesh foods, eggs, nuts, oil seeds and dairy products like milk or curd. Notably, the DGIs suggest that cereals should not provide more than 45% of total daily energy. Proteins such as pulses and meat should account for approximately 14-15% of energy intake, with fats capped at 30% and nuts and dairy contributing 8-10%.

Addressing the Burden of Diseases Linked to Poor Dietary Habits

The release of these guidelines comes against a backdrop of concerning health statistics. According to ICMR, 56.4% of the disease burden in India is linked to unhealthy diets, which are major contributors to obesity, diabetes, coronary heart disease (CHD) and hypertension (HTN). The ICMR emphasises that adopting the DGIs can prevent up to 80% of type 2 diabetes cases and significantly reduce the prevalence of CHD and HTN.

Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of ICMR, highlighted the relevance of these guidelines in the context of India’s evolving food landscape, marked by an increase in processed food consumption and decreased physical activity. He expressed confidence that the DGIs would effectively complement government efforts aimed at promoting comprehensive nutritional and health outcomes.

Practical Steps Towards Healthier Lifestyles

In line with global best practices, the guidelines also advocate reducing the intake of salt, sugar and unhealthy fats. They call for minimising the consumption of ultra-processed foods and suggest regular physical activity as crucial for the optimal utilisation of nutrients.

The DGIs further encourage reading food labels to make healthier choices and selecting minimally processed foods to avoid hidden sugars and fats. Such measures are critical as the NIN points out that excessive reliance on cereals due to the high cost and limited availability of pulses and meat has led to poor intakes of essential macronutrients and micronutrients, increasing the risk of metabolic diseases from a young age.

A Holistic Approach to Tackling Malnutrition

The guidelines underscore a holistic approach to nutrition, addressing both undernutrition and overnutrition. Dr Hemalatha noted, “Through the DGIs, we emphasise that the most logical, sustainable and long-term solution to all forms of malnutrition is ensuring the availability, accessibility and affordability of nutrient-rich foods while promoting the consumption of diverse foods.”

This initiative is consistent with the objectives of the National Nutrition Policy and aligns with national policies on agriculture and health, aiming to create a healthier future for all Indians.

The ICMR’s latest dietary guidelines represent a pivotal step towards combating the rising tide of NCDs and enhancing the nutritional well-being of the Indian population. By advocating for balanced diets and lifestyle changes, the guidelines aim to catalyse a shift towards healthier, more sustainable eating habits across the nation.