On 8th May 2024, Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research, Government of India and Director General, ICMR, released the Dietary Guidelines for Indians (DGIs). These guidelines were created by the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) in Hyderabad, a top-notch institute for nutrition research in India.
The DGIs are all about giving straightforward advice on what to eat and how to live healthier lives, specifically designed for people in India. They’re based on solid evidence and aim to make it simple for everyone, no matter their age, to get the right nutrients and steer clear of diseases like diabetes and heart problems.
The ICMR-NIN in Hyderabad regularly updates its recommendations on how much of each nutrient Indians need in their diet. The latest update came out in 2024. These guidelines take all that scientific info and turn it into easy-to-follow tips so people can make smart choices about what they eat and how they live. They’re not just about getting enough nutrients; they’re also about preventing diseases that come from bad eating habits, like obesity and heart disease.
The DGIs were put together by a team of experts, led by Dr. Hemalatha R, Director of ICMR-NIN. They went through a thorough review process to make sure they’re accurate and helpful. In the book, you’ll find 17 simple chapters, each covering a different aspect of healthy eating and living. They start with explaining why each guideline is important and end with some key points to remember. These guidelines are meant to make it easier for everyone in India to make healthier choices in their daily lives, so they can stay strong and avoid health problems down the road.
“The dietary habits of Indians have undergone significant changes over the past few decades, leading to an increase in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases while some of the problems of undernutrition continue to persist. I am pleased that these guidelines have been made very relevant to the changing food scenario in India with addition of practicable messages and suggestions on handling food safety choosing minimally processed foods, importance of food labels and physical activity. I am sure these will complement the government’s efforts to promote holistic nutrition and health of our people.”, said Dr Rajiv Bahl during the release function held at ICMR Head Quarters today.
“Through the DGIs s 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 consumption of diverse foods. The guidelines contain in them scientific evidence-based information that would facilitate the attainment of the goals stated in the National Nutrition Policy. The guidelines are also consistent with the goals set in the National Policies on Agriculture and Health”, said Dr Hemalatha R, Director, ICMR-NIN and Chairperson of the Expert Committee which brought out the Guidelines
The release function was also attended by a host of participants including scientists, academics, policy makers, regulators, food industry and multilateral international organisations.
Leave a comment