The Director General of the Office for Community Nutrition Improvement at the Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education stated on Sunday, January 6, that "88% of the population has an unhealthy diet, and 44% of deaths before the age of 70 are related to poor nutrition and non-communicable diseases resulting from it." According to Zahra Abdollahi, who spoke at the "Healthy Nutrition" conference at the Ministry of Health, "Healthy nutrition plays a very important role in controlling and preventing diseases, such that 80% of cardiovascular diseases and 30% of cancers can be prevented with a healthy diet." Abdollahi also mentioned that "50% of individuals aged 25 to 35 in Iran are obese, and 23% of this age group have high blood fat levels. In the age group of 45 to 54 years, obesity rates reach 71% among women and 51% among men, with 44% of individuals in this age group also having high blood fat levels." She added that 19% of individuals aged 15 to 64 in the country have high blood pressure, which includes about 10 million people, and in the age group of 45 to 65 years, 48% of individuals suffer from high blood pressure. In this context, Ali Akbar Siari, the Deputy Minister of Health, stated on Sunday that 15 million Iranians are physically inactive. According to ISNA news agency, Siari emphasized that the increase in cancer and cardiovascular diseases is a global issue, adding that "Obesity is a significant factor in non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Annually, 35 million people worldwide die from non-communicable diseases, of which 28 million are in developing countries." Siari highlighted the need for dietary pattern reform and attention to physical activity. He also stated that the obesity rate is on the rise. The United Nations has recommended its member countries to reduce risk factors, including physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, alcohol and tobacco consumption, and high blood pressure by 2030.
Ministry of Health: 88% of Iranians Have Unhealthy Diets
A recent report from Iran's Ministry of Health reveals that 88% of the population has unhealthy diets, contributing significantly to early deaths and non-communicable diseases. The report highlights alarming obesity and hypertension rates among various age groups, emphasizing the urgent need for dietary reform and increased physical activity.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The Iranian Ministry of Health reported that 88% of the population has unhealthy diets, leading to high rates of obesity and non-communicable diseases. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for dietary reform and increased physical activity among Iranians.
- 44% of deaths before age 70 are linked to poor nutrition and related diseases.
- 50% of individuals aged 25 to 35 are obese, with significant rates of high blood fat and hypertension.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran is facing a growing public health crisis characterized by poor nutrition and lifestyle choices, which are leading to increased rates of obesity and chronic diseases. This is a significant concern for a country with limited healthcare resources.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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