National Nutrition Week 2026: Observed annually from September 1 to September 7, National Nutrition Week highlights the vital role of nutrition in maintaining overall health and well-being. It encourages people to focus not just on eating enough, but on getting the right balance of essential nutrients.

A person may eat enough food and still miss essential nutrients. Diets high in oil, sugar and carbohydrates but low in protein, vitamins, minerals, fruits and vegetables can create nutritional gaps and affect overall health.

Eating Enough Does Not Mean Eating Right: A person may eat enough food and still miss essential nutrients. Diets high in oil, sugar and carbohydrates but low in protein, vitamins, minerals, fruits and vegetables can create nutritional gaps and affect overall health. (Image: File Photo/News18)

Why Is Nutrition Month Important?: Speaking to Local18, Dr Charu Dua, Chief Clinical Nutritionist and Head of Clinical Nutrition at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, said understanding nutrition is important. She explained that eating food is not the same as getting complete nutrition, as the body needs essential nutrients.

Why Is Nutrition Month Important?: Speaking to Local18, Dr Charu Dua, Chief Clinical Nutritionist and Head of Clinical Nutrition at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, said understanding nutrition is important. She explained that eating food is not the same as getting complete nutrition, as the body needs essential nutrients. (Image: File Photo/News18)

When Did National Nutrition Month Begin?: Nutrition awareness initially began as a one-day initiative before National Nutrition Week was observed on September 1, 1982. In 2018, the programme was expanded into a month-long campaign to create greater awareness about malnutrition, obesity, excess weight and unhealthy eating habits.

When Did National Nutrition Month Begin?: Nutrition awareness initially began as a one-day initiative before National Nutrition Week was observed on September 1, 1982. In 2018, the programme was expanded into a month-long campaign to create greater awareness about malnutrition, obesity, excess weight and unhealthy eating habits. (Image: File Photo/News18)

Why Can Nutritional Deficiency Happen?: Nutritional deficiency can occur when the diet lacks important nutrients despite providing enough calories. Insufficient protein, vitamins and minerals can affect the body, while consuming excessive carbohydrates and calories may contribute to weight gain and related health problems.

Why Can Nutritional Deficiency Happen?: Nutritional deficiency can occur when the diet lacks important nutrients despite providing enough calories. Insufficient protein, vitamins and minerals can affect the body, while consuming excessive carbohydrates and calories may contribute to weight gain and related health problems. (Image: File Photo/News18)

Why Are Obesity and Diabetes Increasing?: Changing eating habits and reduced physical activity are linked to growing concerns about obesity and diabetes. Greater consumption of outside food, packaged products, fats and calories, along with fewer fruits and vegetables and less daily movement, can affect long-term health.

Why Are Obesity and Diabetes Increasing?: Changing eating habits and reduced physical activity are linked to growing concerns about obesity and diabetes. Greater consumption of outside food, packaged products, fats and calories, along with fewer fruits and vegetables and less daily movement, can affect long-term health. (Image: File Photo/News18)

What Should a Balanced Plate Look Like?: A balanced plate should include different food groups in appropriate proportions. Dr Charu Dua recommends filling about half the plate with fruits and vegetables, one-quarter with protein sources such as dal and paneer, and the remaining portion with carbohydrates.

What Should a Balanced Plate Look Like?: A balanced plate should include different food groups in appropriate proportions. Dr Charu Dua recommends filling about half the plate with fruits and vegetables, one-quarter with protein sources such as dal and paneer, and the remaining portion with carbohydrates. (Image: File Photo/News18)

How Much Attention Should You Pay to Oil?: Controlling oil intake is another part of maintaining a balanced diet. Dr Dua recommends reducing excessive oil, junk food, soda and sugary foods. She also suggests that even a small reduction in oil consumption can be a useful step towards healthier eating.

How Much Attention Should You Pay to Oil?: Controlling oil intake is another part of maintaining a balanced diet. Dr Dua recommends reducing excessive oil, junk food, soda and sugary foods. She also suggests that even a small reduction in oil consumption can be a useful step towards healthier eating. (Image: File Photo/News18)

Nutrition Is About Overall Balance: Good nutrition means giving the body a combination of protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Along with a balanced diet, regular movement and exercise can support overall health and may help reduce the risk of several lifestyle-related health problems.

Nutrition Is About Overall Balance: Good nutrition means giving the body a combination of protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Along with a balanced diet, regular movement and exercise can support overall health and may help reduce the risk of several lifestyle-related health problems. (Image: Canva)