Summary - Diet and Nutrition

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DIET AND NUTRITION. Health Development Agency evidence briefings … diet and nutrition in the Choosing Health? consultation …

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SUMMARY OF INTELLIGENCE ON
DIET AND NUTRITION
[See linked sheets on obesity and physical activity]
KEY FACTS
. Most children and adults do not meet dietary recommendations.
. An estimated one in three deaths from cancer and one in three
deaths from coronary heart disease are attributable to poor diet.
. Consuming at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day can
reduce the risk from heart disease, stroke and cancer by up to 20%.
. A reduction in the salt intake of the population to 6g per day would
result in an estimated reduced incidence of coronary heart disease
by 6%, stroke by 15%, and hypertension by 17%.
. Reducing fat intake, particularly saturated fat, can help lower the
risk of coronary heart disease and some cancers.
. Infants who are breastfed are five times less likely to be admitted
to hospital in the first year of life with infections and are less likely
to become obese in later childhood.
. Mothers who breastfeed their baby are less likely to develop
premenopausal
breast cancer.
. Treating ill health related to poor diet is estimated to cost the NHS
at least ?4 billion each year.DIET AND NUTRITION
Inequalities exist
. Children and adults in lower social classes eat around
half the fruit and vegetables of people from
professional groups.
WE ARE NOW GOING TO.
Health in the consumer society
. By mid 2005 we aim to have introduced a system
that could be used as a standard basis for
signposting foods. This will build on the nutrient
criteria for the 5 A DAY logo.
. Continue to work with industry with the 5 A DAY
logo, working with retailers, caterers, manufacturers
and producers to promote the 5 A DAY message.
. Lead discussions with industry to identify action to:
increase the availability of healthier food, reverse the
trend towards bigger portion sizes, and adopt
consistent and clear standards for information on food.
. Work with industry to develop voluntary action
based on: targets for reducing sugar and fat in food,
and guidance on portion sizes.
. We will work with industry, advertisers, consumer
groups and other stakeholders to encourage new
measures to strengthen existing voluntary codes on
food and drink promotion to children, including:
setting up a new food and drink advertising and
promotion forum and contributing funding to new
health initiatives and positive…