Agrowing global focus on lifestyle-related diseases has renewed interest in the “reversed food pyramid” model that places physical activity and protein rich foods at the centre of healthy living, prompting Indian public health experts to advocate a context-specific adaptation to address the country’s rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
According to recent estimates of the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs account for nearly 75 per cent of all non-pandemic-related deaths worldwide, causing more than 43 million deaths annually. Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers and chronic respiratory illnesses remain the leading contributors to premature mortality.
The concept gained prominence after the United States incorporated a reversed food pyramid into its 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines. Unlike the traditional pyramid that placed cereals and grains at the base, the revised framework prioritises physical activity, protein-rich foods, vegetables, fruits and healthy fats, while refined carbohydrates and ultra-processed foods occupy the smallest segment.
The shift reflects growing scientific evidence linking diets high in refined grains and sugars, combined with sedentary lifestyles, to obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
India, however, faces a more complex nutritional landscape. While undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies continue to affect sections of the population, the country is also witnessing a sharp rise in obesity and lifestyle-related disorders. Emerging findings from NFHS-6 indicate that nearly one-third of women and more than one-fourth of men are now overweight or obese.
Recognising these challenges, the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) under the Indian Council of Medical Research released updated Dietary Guidelines for Indians in 2024. The guidelines recommend greater consumption of pulses, millets, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, along with adequate protein intake and regular physical activity. They also advise limiting salt, sugar, unhealthy fats and ultra-processed foods.
The Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM) has further strengthened this focus through its “Nutrition for Lifelong Health” initiative, highlighting the importance of adequate protein intake and active living across all age groups to prevent diseases such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disorders. An Indian version of the reversed food pyramid could serve as a practical tool for nutrition education and policy planning. Promoting physical activity, affordable protein sources and minimally processed foods could play a crucial role in reducing the country’s growing NCD burden and improving long-term health outcomes.
— As told to Amritsar Tribune’s Manmeet Singh Gill
