Associate Professor Dr Trần Thanh Dương, Director of the National Institute of Nutrition at the event. -- Photo of the company

HÀ NỘI  -- The National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), in collaboration with the Nutrilite Health Institute (United States), on June 19 held a scientific workshop to announce the findings of a study on the nutritional status and dietary habits of Vietnamese adults aged 20–45 in five provinces and cities in 2025.

The study, conducted on nearly 1,500 participants in Hanoi, HCM City, Cần Thơ, Thái Nguyên and Quảng Nam, was carried out under a cooperation framework between the National Institute of Nutrition, the Nutrilite Health Institute and Amway Vietnam Co., Ltd.

The findings revealed that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among respondents reached 43.6 per cent, based on the World Health Organization’s BMI classification for Asian populations. The rate was higher among men than women.

The study also highlighted persistent micronutrient deficiencies. Average daily dietary intake met only 68.7 per cent of the recommended calcium requirement and 50.9 per cent of the recommended folate requirement. More than 60 per cent of respondents failed to consume the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables set by the World Health Organization.

Breakfast habits were another area of concern. According to the study, 26.7 per cent participants did not eat breakfast regularly. Breakfast accounted for only 18.2 per cent of the recommended daily energy intake, while around 20 per cent of adults reported consuming sugary foods, confectionery products, or sweets as part of their morning meal.

A panel discussion with presentations by experts from the National Institute of Nutrition and the Nutrilite Health Institute.

Speaking at the workshop, Associate Professor Dr Trần Thanh Dương, Director of the National Institute of Nutrition, said that people aged 20–45 represent the core workforce of the country. However, increasingly busy lifestyles and work pressures have contributed to unhealthy dietary behaviours, including skipping breakfast and choosing nutritionally imbalanced foods.

He stressed that as Vietnam enters a period of rapid population ageing, adopting healthy eating habits and promoting preventive healthcare are becoming increasingly important for improving quality of life, maintaining labour productivity and supporting the country’s sustainable development.

Experts noted that the study provides valuable scientific evidence for developing nutrition communication and education programmes, helping raise public awareness of healthy diets and proactive health management in the years ahead. — VNS