Healthy and Sustainable Diets - Key workstreams in the WHO European Region - Factsheet (2021)

The food system is in a constant state of evolution, with consumer preferences, production systems and policies shifting over time. Public health systems are also under pressure as noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, diabetes and cancer pose threats to long-term health.

At the same time, food systems contribute substantially to climate change, biodiversity loss and the depletion of natural resources. Changes in food systems will not only have to address the rise in diet-related NCDs but will also need to promote a shift towards environmentally sustainable diets. This will be no easy task, nor can we do it alone.

Human health and planetary health are deeply interconnected. For this reason, the WHO European Office for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD Office) is engaging in various projects concerning healthy and sustainable diets. Reflecting the needs and concerns of Member States, these exploratory actions aim to provide evidence-based actions on issues such as dietary shifts, food reformulation, digital food environments and public procurement.