Title: Health Official Highlights National Nutrition Strategy as Key to Public Wellness
In a significant address at a national conference marking World Food Day and the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, a senior health official outlined the critical link between nutrition and public health, emphasizing the government’s focus on improving dietary habits across the country.
The Nutrition-Mortality Link
Ahmad Ismailzadeh, Director of the Nutrition Improvement Office of the Ministry of Health, presented compelling data, revealing that nutritional factors are implicated in approximately 35% of the nation’s annual deaths. He clarified that this encompasses a range of issues, including both malnutrition and obesity, as well as deficiencies in vital nutrients such as fiber, whole grains, and Omega-3.
Ismailzadeh stressed that with continued support from the Parliament’s Health and Treatment Commission, the Ministry of Health is actively working to implement strategies aimed at controlling and reducing mortality rates attributable to nutritional causes.
A National Snapshot of Nutritional Health
Providing a detailed breakdown, the official presented a mixed but generally positive picture compared to regional standards. He noted that the national average for stunting in children under five years old stands at approximately 5%, a favorable figure relative to neighboring countries. However, he acknowledged that this average masks disparities, with some provinces facing more challenging conditions that require targeted improvement efforts.
Other key statistics highlighted include:
- 4.3% of children under five are underweight.
- 3.02% of children under five are overweight or obese.
- 23.8% of children and adolescents aged 5 to 18 have excess weight.
- A significant 63.1% of the adult population over 18 is affected by overweight or obesity.
A Call for Continued Vigilance and Action
While noting that the current rate of obesity in very young children is not yet a crisis, Ismailzadeh warned of the need for proactive measures to prevent this figure from rising. He also pointed to specific regional trends, such as growing rates of excess weight in northern provinces like Gilan, Ardabil, and Mazandaran, and a higher prevalence of underweight among the elderly in less developed provinces.
The conference served as a platform to reinforce the government’s commitment to a comprehensive national nutrition strategy, positioning it as a cornerstone for enhancing the overall health and longevity of the population.