National Nutrition Month 2025: What is its objective?

The importance of nutritious food will continue to be emphasised as long as humanity exists. At the national level, a variety of programmes and activities are held each year to raise awareness about nutrition and its significance. Since 1982, the first week of September has been observed as National Nutrition Week. In 2018, this initiative was expanded to an entire month, now observed as National Nutrition Month.

The decision to expand the observance from a week to a month followed the realisation that a mere seven days were not sufficient to promote nutrition awareness across diverse sections of society, especially among women and children. The motto for the National Nutrition Month 2025 is given as `Ways to improve lifestyle and the need for collaboration.'

The objective is to raise awareness about the growing prevalence of overweight and the metabolic diseases it leads to, while preparing society to address these challenges in practical ways. To encourage moderation in the use of sugar, salt, and oil, the Union Government has already introduced the concept of a `Sugar and Oil Board.'

This year, National Nutrition Month must also place special emphasis on the health and intellectual growth of children. Focus areas should include not only nutrition but also education, ecological conservation, environment-friendly activities, and child protection. Another significant aspect is that the motto for the National Nutrition Month 2025 has been created by including a call for greater participation of men in these initiatives.
(The author is a Registered Chief Dietitian at VPS Lakeshore Hospital, Kochi.)