Nutrition Strategies for Supporting Vulnerable Populations During Heatwaves: A One and Public Health Perspective

Heatwaves, intensified by climate change, pose a growing threat to public health, especially for vulnerable populations with impaired thermoregulation or chronic conditions. Thermal stress, dehydration, and metabolic dysregulation increase morbidity and mortality. Nutrition plays a central role in both prevention and therapy by supporting hydration, electrolyte balance, antioxidant defense, and metabolic resilience. Evidence shows that tailored dietary strategies mitigate heat-related risks. Effective heatwave management requires multidisciplinary, multi-level interventions integrating nutrition, clinical care, public health policies, and One Health approaches might reduce adverse outcomes, and strengthen the resilience of the healthcare systems, including low- and middle-income countries, according to available resources.