An international panel of experts, led by the University of Innsbruck and the Tyrolean University of Education, has published two complementary reports that define a wholesome, predominantly plant-based diet as the evidence-based minimum recommendation for healthcare systems worldwide.
The reports – a consensus report containing 101 statements and a roadmap for policymakers – were drawn up by 64 international scientists. The focus is on the ‘Healthy Eating & Active Living’ (HEAL) concept: combining a wholesome, predominantly plant-based diet with sufficient daily physical activity, preferably outdoors. The panel describes HEAL as a “routine standard for health and medicine”.
Lifestyle-related diseases as a systemic problem
The backdrop to this is a paradox: despite rising healthcare spending and scientific advances, lifestyle-related diseases continue to increase. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer account for three-quarters of all deaths worldwide; in Europe, the figure is 90 percent.
The expert panel recommends prioritising prevention over treatment by a ratio of 3:1. “Although lasting health comes free of charge, it cannot be downloaded or prescribed — it must be practised every day and achieved through informed and conscious lifestyle choices,” says lead author Katharina Wirnitzer from the University of Innsbruck and the Tyrolean University of Teacher Education. Embedding HEAL at all levels of education, from primary to tertiary, is the “health policy priority of our generation”.
Calls for reform of education and research
In addition to educational reform, the committee recommends a swift transition to animal-free research methods relevant to human health, as well as the systematic application of the ‘Health in All Policies’ (HiAP) approach at the policy level. Gerhard Ruedl and Werner Kirschner from the Institute of Sports Science at the University of Innsbruck emphasise that physical activity and nutrition should be taught in tandem in all educational institutions, particularly in school physical education.
The reports were published under the titles: Conquering today’s health paradox with the power of HEAL and Toward a roadmap for addressing today’s health dilemma.
