Ha Noi, June 19, 2025 - The National Institute of Nutrition, in collaboration with the Nutrilite Health Institute, U.S., organized a scientific workshop to announce the findings of the study titled “Assessment of nutritional status and food consumption among adults aged 20–45 in urban and rural areas across five provinces and cities of Viet Nam in 2025”. 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thanh Duong, Director of the National Institute of Nutrition, delivers the opening remarks at the workshop

Strengthening intersectoral coordination and social mobilization, including the engagement of organizations, individuals and communities, is an important part of implementing the National Nutrition Strategy. The strategy encourages social organizations and the business community to participate through sponsorship of nutrition-related activities, ensuring that nutrition is positioned as one of the solutions under the National Nutrition Strategy for the 2021–2030 period with a vision toward 2045 (approved under Decision No. 02/QD-TTg dated January 5, 2022).

In 2025, the National Institute of Nutrition conducted a large-scale study as part of activities under the public–private partnership model in nutrition science. The study was carried out among nearly 1,500 adults in five provinces and cities, including Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Thai Nguyen and Quang Nam, representing selected urban and rural areas of Viet Nam. The study was implemented within the framework of the Strategic Cooperation Agreement between the National Institute of Nutrition and the Nutrilite Health Institute, signed on February 17, 2025, in Michigan, U.S., as well as the agreement between the National Institute of Nutrition and Amway Vietnam Co., Ltd., signed on September 1, 2024.

The study findings provide important scientific data on nutritional status, food consumption, dietary intake and breakfast habits among adults aged 20-45 in the surveyed areas. These findings offer meaningful recommendations for the development of nutrition communication and education activities, contributing to the promotion of proactive health care and a society where people can live healthier for longer. 

When longevity must go hand in hand with quality of life

As Viet Nam enters a period of rapid population ageing, proper nutrition plays an increasingly important role in maintaining health, improving quality of life and ensuring labor productivity. In the past, nutrition issues were often associated with protein-energy malnutrition. Today, however, the challenge has become more multidimensional, with the “double burden of malnutrition”: undernutrition, including stunting, wasting and micronutrient deficiencies, continues to coexist with the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity. At the same time, nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases are also increasing. 

Ms. On Minh Hang, Deputy General Director of Amway Vietnam, shares her remarks

The study reported several notable findings on the nutritional status and dietary habits of adults aged 24-45. Notably, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the surveyed group reached 43.6% when applying the BMI classification for Asian populations recommended by the WHO Western Pacific Region (WHO/WPRO), with BMI ≥ 23 kg/m². The rate was higher among men. In addition, micronutrient inadequacy in dietary intake remains common. On average, diets met only 68.7% of the recommended daily calcium intake and 50.9% of the recommended folate intake. More than 60% of the participants surveyed did not consume enough vegetables and fruit as recommended by the World Health Organization. 

Dr. Holiday Dhuram Zanetti, Senior Scientist in Research and Clinical Trials at the Nutrilite Health Institute, delivers a presentation at the workshop

Breakfast was another notable finding of the study. A total of 26.7% of participants did not eat breakfast regularly. Energy intake from breakfast met only 18.2% of the recommended requirement. Around 20% of adults in the survey consumed sugar, confectionery or sweet foods at breakfast. These findings suggest that breakfast should not only be maintained regularly but also improved in terms of quality and nutritional balance.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thanh Duong, Director of the National Institute of Nutrition, noted that adults aged 20–45 are the core labor force and play an important role in the country’s socio-economic development. However, modern lifestyles and work pressures are unintentionally shaping less appropriate dietary behaviors, such as skipping breakfast or consuming unsuitable foods. He stated: “Proactive health care does not begin at the hospital but starts with daily food choices. Investing in nutrition means investing in today’s health, tomorrow’s population quality and the country’s sustainable development in the future”.

Strategic partnership for a healthier and happier community

According to projections, Viet Nam will enter the aged population stage by 2036 ([1]). This makes it important for today’s young workforce to proactively invest in health, as the nutrition habits built today will serve as the foundation for quality of life in the decades ahead. 

In this context, the strategic cooperation among the National Institute of Nutrition, the Nutrilite Health Institute and Amway Vietnam Co., Ltd. is considered a suitable model for the new situation, combining public and private resources and strengths in nutrition research.

The Nutrilite Health Institute (NHI), established in the United States, is a global leader in plant-based nutrition science. NHI brings together international experts from academia and the healthcare sector, focusing on scientific research, nutrition education and personalized solutions to help consumers achieve optimal health. With extensive experience in nutrition research and development, NHI is working toward contributing to the development of nutrition solutions suitable for the Vietnamese population.

Panel discussion with the participation of speakers from the National Institute of Nutrition and the Nutrilite Health Institute

Ms. On Minh Hang, Deputy General Director of Amway Vietnam, shared: “This cooperation project is a key part of the Healthy Living, Happy Living strategy that Amway has implemented over the years. We are committed not only to serving as a research sponsor, but also as a bridge to spread public awareness. On this journey, Amway strives to turn research findings into meaningful numbers, translate scientific data into practical nutrition solutions, and help people apply them more easily while building scientific lifestyle habits every day”.

Based on the study findings, Amway will continue to work with nutrition experts, professional agencies and relevant partners to implement in-depth nutrition communication and education activities. These efforts aim to help people proactively care for their health and prevent nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases. In the coming period, Amway is committed to strengthening corporate social responsibility programs aimed at improving nutritional status in the community. By promoting proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, Amway seeks to accompany Vietnamese people in building a sustainable health foundation, enabling everyone to gain greater initiative and inner strength to live healthier for longer.