whole food plant-based
Conquering today’s health paradox with the power of HEAL – an expert consensus report plus research priorities and policymaker roadmap
20 March 2026
Wirnitzer Katharina C., Motevalli Mohamad, Tanous Derrick R., Drenowatz Clemens, Moser Maximilian, Cramer Holger, Rosemann Thomas, Wagner Karl-Heinz, Michalsen Andreas, Knechtle Beat, Fras Zlatko, Marques Adilson, Fidler Mis Nataša, Stanford Fatima C., Schubert Christian, Goswami Nandu, Leitzmann Claus, Fredriksen Per Morten, Ruedl Gerhard, Lima Rodrigo A., Kessler Christian, Jeitler Michael, Khan Naim A., Joulaei Hassan, Fatemi Maryam, Kratky Karl W., Palmer Kara K., Haditsch Bernd, Jakše Boštjan, Kofler Walter, Pfeiffer Tomas, Cordova-Pozo Kathya L, Tortella Patrizia, Straub Simon, Lynch Heidi, Schätzer Manuel, Krishnan Anupama, Fathima Shahnaz, Gatterer Lukas, Kriwan Fabian, Abhishek Mittal, Nandgaonkar Hemant, Nandgaonkar Shalaka, Adedara Abiola O., Haro Josep M., Rashidlamir Amir, Thangavelu Madan, Ngoumou Gonza, Perpék Éva, Klaper Michael, Bhattacharya Bhaswati, Kirschner Werner, Bessems Kathelijne M. H. H., Jones Peter, Peoples Gregory, Bescos Raul, Duftner Christina, Seifert Georg
Summary
Here's a summary of the research study for a health-conscious reader:
**1. Plain-language summary:**
A large group of global health experts came together to address the persistent rise of lifestyle-related diseases, concluding that prioritizing "Healthy Eating & Active Living" (HEAL) is key to prevention. They developed a comprehensive roadmap emphasizing HEAL's broad benefits for individuals, society, and the planet.
**2. Key findings:**
* Current global efforts are falling short in addressing the increasing rates of lifestyle-related diseases and healthcare costs.
* An international consortium of 58 experts developed a 33-statement policy roadmap focused on the "Healthy Eating & Active Living" (HEAL) approach.
* HEAL is endorsed as a crucial strategy for disease prevention, offering significant ethical, social, ecological, and economic advantages.
* These expert conclusions aim to support policymakers in shifting towards a "Prevention First" model for global health.
**3. Practical takeaways for someone interested in nutrition and longevity:**
* **Embrace HEAL:** Make healthy eating and regular physical activity non-negotiable foundations for your daily life. This study reinforces their central role in health.
* **Think Holistically:** Understand that your personal health choices contribute not only to your longevity but also to broader societal and environmental well-being.
* **Advocate for Prevention:** Support policies and community initiatives that make healthy choices easier and more accessible for everyone.
**4. Study limitations:**
This study is an expert consensus report, meaning it provides a roadmap and recommendations based on a review of existing evidence, rather than presenting new experimental data. The practical implementation and real-world impact of these policy recommendations still require further evaluation.
Abstract
Background Despite growing scientific evidence and health guidelines, the global health paradox persists, with rising lifestyle-related diseases and escalating healthcare costs exposing the inadequacy of current efforts. Objective Three multidisciplinary congresses were held to generate evidence-based conclusions aimed at addressing the global health paradox. Methods A total of 58 experts from 62 entities participated in the international research and knowledge-exchange panels. Experts reviewed the latest findings to develop practical strategies and identify key research and policy priorities, focusing on the Healthy Eating & Active Living (HEAL) approach. Results, conclusion, and relevance The expert consortium endorsed a 33 evidence-based consensual-statement policy roadmap for addressing global health challenges, emphasizing that the HEAL approach can significantly contribute to the “Prevention First” appeal and broad ethical, social, ecological, and economic advantages, and ultimately supporting policy change.
Read Original Study →