Every year, from September 1 to September 7, the public is made aware of vital indicators of their prosperity and well-being during National Nutrition Week. People from all over the world can be inspired to maintain their beauty during National Nutrition Week in 2023, or they can just relax. People can gain knowledge about their dietary preferences and appropriate eating behaviours.
India observes National Nutrition Week from September 1–7 each year. "Healthy Diet Gawing Affordable for All" is the subject of National Nutrition Week in 2023. This subject emphasises how crucial it is to guarantee that everyone, regardless of wealth or social standing, has access to a healthy food. A healthy diet is crucial for wellbeing. Chronic illnesses including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke can all be warded off with a good diet. Additionally, it can aid with energy levels, mood, and cognitive function. Whole grains, organic foods, vegetables, foods low in fat, meat, fish, poultry, nuts, seeds, and other such foods are all necessary components of a balanced diet. The purpose of National Nutrition Week is to raise people's nutritional awareness by being well-prepared, providing helpful advice, imparting lessons, competing, making an appearance in public, leading numerous crusades, and creating a healthy nation.
History
In order to spread the word about nutrition education and to advance the career of a dietitian, members of the American Dietetic Association (now the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) established National Nutrition Week in March 1973. The week-long celebration was enthusiastically embraced by the people in 1980, and it expanded to a month-long festival. National Nutrition Week was first observed by the federal Indian government in 1982. The goal of the campaign is to promote healthy living among the public by educating them about the value of nutrition. We are all aware that one of the major barriers to the general growth of the nation required to overcome and combat it is malnutrition. The week of national nutrition is observed.
National Nutrition Month
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics organises National Nutrition Month each year. The purpose of the event is to encourage active living and healthy eating to enhance overall health and wellbeing. The programme offers tools and information to assist people in making educated food decisions and forming a routine of a balanced diet and physical activity. March is commemorated as National Nutrition Month each year. Numerous occasions and activities are organised nationwide throughout this month to encourage a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Importance of Nutrition
Nutrition is the study or application of food use and consumption. Foods give our bodies the nutrients it needs to survive, grow, and function effectively, including energy, proteins, vital fats, and vitamins. Therefore, a balanced diet is crucial for maintaining good health and wellbeing. Many food-related ailments are considered to be more likely to develop in people who eat poorly. Healthy eating is essential because -
Do you realise that the human body need seven different kinds of essential nutrients? Although they do not all contain energy, nutrients are just as essential as water and fibre. While still essential, micronutrients are only required in trace levels. The body cannot synthesise vitamins, which are essential chemical components.
Common Nutrition Problems in India
For both the present and future generations, nutrition is important for survival, health, and development. Children who are underweight have a weakened immune system and are more likely to develop diseases like diabetes and heart disease in later life. Children who are undernourished typically have low IQs and decreased cognitive capacities, which have an impact on their academic achievement and future productivity. It should be mentioned that all age groups, good diet, and health make up the nation's economic asset. For a country to develop, its population's nutritional status must be improved. In India, undernutrition in young children continues to be a serious public health issue.
Particularly among women and children, NFHS4 did not indicate any encouraging increase in nutritional status. The underweight decreased 6.8% and 9.6%, per NFHS-4. Compared to the NNHS 3 data, the anaemia level dropped by 11%. Malnutrition must be seen as both a national issue that causes lost productivity and economic backwardness and as a result of poverty, which has a detrimental impact on an individual's health and development. It's time to seize the opportunity to enhance nutrition on a personal level. In order to solve this serious issue of network malnutrition, a number of convergent and well-coordinated initiatives in several sectors must be implemented.
Aims of Celebration of National Nutrition Week
To assess the nutritional issues in the local communities. Conduct rigorous study to evaluate the best methods for preventing and addressing nutritional issues. Plan and implement national nutrition programmes by doing operational research. Keep an eye on the nation's diet and nutritional situation. Inform individuals about diet and health with orientation training.
