WHO Asks Global Governments: Are You Promoting Fruits and Vegetables for Better Health?

Examining Policies for Nutrition and Fitness in Low-Income Countries

Introduction to Non-Communicable Diseases

A recent study investigated policies aimed at enhancing physical fitness and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in low-income nations. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are conditions that are not contagious, often including issues such as vessel blockages, heart diseases, chronic respiratory problems like COPD and asthma, and rheumatic conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the prevalence of NCDs is significantly higher in lower and middle-income countries compared to their high-income counterparts. Approximately 80% of deaths from non-communicable diseases occur in these regions, with projections indicating a potential 17% increase in mortality worldwide.

Impact of Lifestyle on Disease Rates

These diseases are often linked to unhealthy lifestyle choices, including poor dietary habits and insufficient physical activity. Researchers highlight that low intake of fruits and vegetables is common across various cultures, and altering these dietary patterns could help reduce disease rates and alleviate the associated burden. The WHO and the Food and Agriculture Organization recommend a minimum daily intake of 400 grams of fruits and vegetables.

Research Overview

Researchers Darfour-Oduro, Andrade, and Grigsby-Toussaint conducted a review of policies focused on promoting fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity in low and middle-income countries. To carry out this analysis, they gathered data from government ministries regarding their nutrition and physical activity guidelines and utilized resources such as the WHO database, Scopus, and PubMed. Their findings were recently published in the Journal of Public Health.

Findings on Policy Implementation

The study revealed that among the 49 low and middle-income countries analyzed, 57% had established national policies aimed at increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, while 76% had policies promoting physical activity. The reviews indicated that these policies targeted schools, communities, and the general population, outlining guidelines concerning environmental impacts, economic effects, and WHO recommendations. However, only 18% of the 28 countries with fruit and vegetable policies aligned with the WHO guidelines.

Conclusions and Future Directions

The research indicated a stronger emphasis on national policies to enhance physical fitness compared to those aimed at increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in low and middle-income countries. The study concluded that substantial efforts are necessary to boost both physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake in these regions. Such improvements could significantly lower the incidence of non-communicable diseases and reduce overall mortality rates.

Author Information

Written by Dr. Apollina Sharma, MBBS, GradDip EXMD
Reference: Darfour-Oduro, S. A., Andrade, J. E., & Grigsby-Toussaint, D. S. (2018). Review of policies to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity in 49 low-and middle-income countries. Journal of Public Health.