ICMR Flags One High-Risk Habit Behind Several Non-Communicable Diseases, Prevention Guidelines For NCDs

An unhealthy diet is an inadequate consumption of fruits, vegetables, dietary salt and high consumption of saturated fats. The World Heart Federation (WHF) states that poor diet may increase your risk of diseases like high blood pressure, high blood glucose, overweight and obesity and high cholesterol. Know how to protect yourself from Non-Communicable Diseases.

Written By: N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe | Published : November 20, 2025 6:16 PM IST

Non-communicable diseases such as obesity, type-2 diabetes, hypertension and heart disease are some of the most common health complications that killed at least 43 million people in 2021, a data that is equivalent to 75 per cent of non-pandemic-related deaths globally. Interestingly, another study published by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) revealed that 56 per cent of the total burden of these diseases comes from an unhealthy diet.

What Does An Unhealthy Diet Mean?

An unhealthy diet is an inadequate consumption of fruits, vegetables, dietary salt and high consumption of saturated fats. According to the American Heart Association (AHA) the most common type of unhealthy foods includes highly processed food items such as chips, cookies, cakes and sugar cereals. Highly processed food generally tends to be low in nutrients like vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which may lead to several medical conditions.

The World Heart Federation (WHF) states that an unhealthy diet is the main contributing factor to four of the world's leading causes of death due to high blood pressure, high blood glucose, overweight and obesity and high cholesterol.

How Significantly Can A Healthy Diet Impact Your Health?

The ICMR states that adopting certain healthy habits that include eating a clean diet and staying regularly active can prevent a huge portion of coronary heart disease and high blood pressure cases. What is even more striking is that being mindful about what you consume may reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes by 80 per cent.

ICMR Prevention Guidelines For NCDs

A 2024 study published by the ICMR's National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) outlines 17 points/guidelines for health promotion and disease prevention across all age groups. Here are crucial points ICMR suggests to remember, next time you're out to refill your pantry stock.

Ensure to consume balanced and varied diet that includes fruits, nuts and vegetables.
Provide extra food and healthcare to pregnant women during pregnancy and lactation
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continue till two years and beyond.
Soon after six months of age start feeding your infant semi-solid complementary foods.
Provide sufficient and appropriate diet for children and adolescents to promote growth and support recovery during illness.
Eat plenty of vegetables and legumes.
To meet your daily needs of fats and essential fatty acids (EFAs) use an array of seed oils, nuts, nutri cereals and legumes.
Avoid using protein supplements to build muscle mass. Instead, you can get good quality of proteins and essential amino acids (EAAs) by consuming the right mix of foods and proteins.
Ensure to maintain a healthy weight by avoiding to gain excess abdominal fat.
Exercise regularly to maintain good health.
Restrict salt intake and highly processed foods.
Consume safe and clean foods.
Follow appropriate pre-cooking and cooking methods.
Drink plenty of water.
Reduce the consumption of high-fat, sugar, salt (HFSS) and ultra-processed foods (UPFs).
Add nutrient-rich foods to older adults' diet to promote health and wellness.
Always read labels to make an informed and healthy food choice.

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