As in every year, the Nobel Prize Foundation gathered prominent figures from the scientific and non-scientific communities to discuss and reflect on pressing global issues. On December 9, during the Nobel Week Dialogue in Stockholm, the topic was The Future of Health, and Yaba was there.

As a brand curator in health and nutrition, we aim to deepen our understanding of the current state of health and the dimensions it touches upon. What does health truly mean, and what role does nutrition play in shaping these dimensions?

The event's introduction set the tone: “In a way, health is everything. Without it, there are no dreams or a future. According to the WHO, health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.”  Amid pandemics, anxiety, war, climate change, and rising inequalities, staying healthy is no small feat for anyone. “Can we work together to approach it as a shared challenge? Is there a path toward health for all?”. The discussions explored groundbreaking medical advances, disease prevention strategies, and innovative ways to improve our lives, all while considering planetary health and the critical impact of the environment on us all.

The event featured Nobel laureates Charles Rice (Medicine, 2020), Michael Rosbash (Medicine, 2017), Olga Tokarczuk (Literature, 2018), and Drew Weissman (Medicine, 2023). Joining them, Ola Rosling, president and co-founder of Gapminder Foundation, presented fascinating and optimistic health-related statistics. Additionally, Joakim Larsson, from the Department of Infectious Diseases at the University of Gothenburg's Institute of Biomedicine, contributed his expertise. Two Swedish athletes, an Olympian and a Paralympian, shared their unique perspectives on health and resilience.

• Charles Rice reflected on the role of vaccine research in preventing autoimmune diseases and cancer, emphasizing the importance of innovative health approaches.
• Drew Weissman shared insights from his 30 years of research into mRNA technology, culminating in the rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine. His collaboration with Katalin Karikó, which earned them the 2023 Nobel Prize in Medicine, highlighted the transformative power of perseverance in science.
• Michael Rosbash focused on circadian rhythms, underscoring the critical role of sleep in disease prevention. With humor, he compared humans and fruit flies, both susceptible to exhaustion from lack of sleep.
• Olga Tokarczuk approached mental health from her unique perspective, identifying anxiety, loss of connections, helplessness, and modern distractions as key factors driving its deterioration. She described it as a “strange mirror” reflecting society’s health.

The event underscored the importance of prevention in areas such as sleep, mental health, and stress management, as well as advancements in immune system support. It also highlighted the value of curiosity and adaptability in scientific research, encouraging scientists to embrace uncertainty as a driver for revolutionary progress.

The Role of Diet and Nutrition‍

The Food for Health, Food for Life panel, led by Nancy Clark and Carl Skau, was particularly engaging.

• Nancy Clark, a globally renowned sports nutritionist and registered dietitian, specializes in performance nutrition, wellness, and weight management, with over 35 years of experience working with athletes at all levels, from recreational to Olympic.
• Carl Skau, Executive Director of the World Food Program, brings over 20 years of expertise in humanitarian affairs, diplomacy, peacebuilding, and international development.

Under the theme “Eating healthily can be a challenge, but what about those who cannot afford to make choices, or the 10% who go hungry?”, these professionals from seemingly opposite fields discussed nutritional and food policy strategies, emphasizing the importance of interagency collaboration and building multidimensional partnerships.

It was inspiring to see how nutrition and supplementation trends align with the major health challenges of the coming years. How can we better address mental health, stress management, and conscious choices that align with physical needs while considering the planet's demands? It was also insightful to recognize the fundamental role of sleep and circadian rhythms in overall health and their direct connection to mental well-being. Proper self-care is essential to reducing the risk of autoimmune manifestations.

At Yaba, we remain committed to these and other issues, embracing a holistic approach to health. We ensure our actions align with today’s global needs and challenges, staying mindful of the world around us. This is what we do. This is what we care about.