A healthy and nutrient-balanced diet, which incorporates whole grains, fruit, vegetables, legumes and nuts, is essential for maintaining good health and reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Consistently including vegetables in daily meals can help to maintain a healthy weight and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer. Recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) suggest that adults should be eating at least 400 grammes – or five or more portions – of fruit and vegetables per day. Similarly, limiting intake of foods high in sugar, saturated and trans-fats, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is essential to maintain a healthy diet. In 2024, the global economic cost attributed to unhealthy diets and NCDs was estimated at around USD 8.1 trillion (FAO, 2024[1]).
On average across 32 OECD countries, 59% of people aged 15 and over consumed vegetables each day in 2023. Countries with the highest rates of vegetable consumption were Korea, Australia and New Zealand, all of which recorded rates above 95% (Figure 4.14). Conversely, Luxembourg and Türkiye as well as accession country Romania were among the countries with the lowest rate of daily vegetable consumption (41% or below). In all countries except Mexico, women consistently exhibited higher rates of vegetable consumption compared to men. The largest gender gaps were observed in Germany, Finland, Luxembourg and Switzerland, with a difference of 18 p.p. or more.
In 2023, over 35% of people aged 15 and over in 9 OECD countries reported consuming SSBs during the previous day or night (Figure 4.15). SSB consumption rates were highest in Chile and Israel as well as accession/partner countries South Africa and Thailand (45% or above). They were lowest in Greece as well as accession/partner countries China, India and Indonesia (below 25%).
Engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to prevent a range of NCDs, improve cognitive functioning, and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour indicate that adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate‑intensity aerobic physical activity, or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity (or a combination of both) per week. They should also engage in muscle‑strengthening activities at least twice a week and reduce the amount of time spent being sedentary.
In 2022, 30% of people aged 18 and over reported insufficient levels of physical activity across 38 OECD countries, covering activity at work, at home, for transport and during leisure time. This proportion varied from 11% in Sweden and the Netherlands to more than 50% in countries including Korea, Portugal, Japan and Costa Rica (Figure 4.16). A greater proportion of women (32%) than men (27%) reported insufficient level of physical activity on average across OECD countries. The gender gap was largest in Türkiye, Costa Rica and Chile as well as partner country India (with a difference of 16 p.p. or more).
Policy interventions aimed at improving population-level dietary habits and promoting regular physical activity have primarily consisted of public awareness and educational campaigns, nutrition labelling, and workplace‑ and community-based programmes. Some countries have taken action to redesign urban environments – including creating green spaces and prioritising areas for walking and cycling – to promote greater engagement in physical activity (OECD, forthcoming[2]).
