The Guatemalan Social Security Institute (IGSS) marked World Food Day by highlighting the importance of nutrition for health and quality of life. Luswin Ricardo Villatoro, a nutritionist from the Nutrition Section of the Sub-Management of Health Benefits at IGSS, emphasized the need for awareness about dietary choices. "A good diet is a form of self-care. We want to invite people to think about the impact that our food has on well-being, productivity, and above all, on quality of life now and in the future," said Villatoro.
Villatoro drew attention to what he described as Guatemala's "double nutritional burden." He explained, "While many children face chronic malnutrition, adults suffer from obesity and diseases such as diabetes or hypertension." He noted that 70% of children under five live in poverty and one out of every two suffers from chronic malnutrition, underscoring the urgency for an integrated and educational approach to nutrition.
During health outreach events, IGSS provides nutritional guidance aimed at helping people make better food choices. Vulnerable groups—including young children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with chronic illnesses—are particularly affected by poor diets due to factors like poverty and lack of education about nutrition.
Poor eating habits can lead to immediate issues such as fatigue and low performance but may also have more serious long-term effects. "A diet poor in nutrients also affects mental health because the brain does not receive what it needs to produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are essential for mood," Villatoro commented.
He added that promoting physical activity alongside healthy eating helps strengthen overall well-being and prevents chronic diseases over time. "Eating is a way of caring for oneself. It is not about extreme diets or choosing what is easiest but about taking care of our bodies with awareness and balance," he said.
IGSS implements various strategies to encourage healthier eating among Guatemalans. These include the “Healthy Lunchbox” program, nutritional talks at clinics, and assessments during health days. Villatoro also pointed out that maintaining a healthy diet does not require a large budget.
One initiative highlighted by IGSS is “Loncheras Saludables,” which aims to reinforce healthy eating habits both at home and in communities by promoting conscious and sustainable nutrition.
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