Conquering Today's Health Paradox with the Power of HEAL – An Expert Consensus Report plus Research Priorities and Policymaker Roadmap

A further post will follow with full PR, but the paper is now published:

Article type: Policy Brief
Journal: Frontiers in Public Health - Public Health Education and Promotion
Manuscript ID: 1695757
Received on date: 30 Aug 2025

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. 3 multidisciplinary congresses were held to generate evidence-based conclusions to tackle the global health paradox.

Methods. 58 experts from 62 entities participated in the international research and knowledge exchange panels. Experts reviewed the latest findings to develop practical strategies, key research and policy priorities, focusing on the “Healthy Eating & Active Living” (HEAL) approach.

Results, Conclusions, and Relevance. The expert consortium endorsed a 33 evidence-based consensual-statement policy roadmap for addressing global health challenges, emphasizing the HEAL approach can significantly contribute to the “Prevention First” appeal and broad ethical, social, ecological, and economic advantages, and eventually policy change.

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, Ritskes-Hoitinga Merel, Marques Adilson, Mis Nataša Fidler, Stanford Fatima C., Schubert Christian, Goswami Nandu, Leitzmann Claus, Fredriksen Per Morten, Ruedl Gerhard, Wilflingseder Doris, Lima Rodrigo A., Kessler Christian, Jeitler Michael, Khan Naim A., Joulaei Hassan, Fatemi Maryam, Knight Andrew, Kratky Karl W., Palmer Kara K., Haditsch Bernd, Jakse Bostjan, Kofler Walter, Pfeiffer Tomas, Cordova-Pozo Kathya, Tortella Patrizia, Straub Simon, Lynch Heidi, Schätzer Manuel, Krishnan Anupama, Fathima A. Shahnaz, Gatterer Lukas, Kriwan Fabian, Abhishek Mittal, Nandgaonkar Hemant, Nandgaonkar Shalaka, Adedara Abiola O., Haro Josep M., Gericke Corina, Neumann Gaby, Akhtar Aysha, Rashidlamir Amir, Thangavelu Madan, Ngoumou Gonza B., Perpék Éva, Klaper Michael, Bhattacharya Bhaswati, Kirschner Werner, Bessems Kathelijne M.H.H., Jones Peter, Peoples Gregory, Bescos Raul, Duftner Christina, Seifert Georg. (2025) Toward a roadmap for addressing today's health dilemma–The 101-statement consensus report. Frontiers in Nutrition, Volume 12, 2025. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1676080. 

DOI=10.3389/fnut.2025.1676080.