Related Experiment Videos
What can industry do to facilitate dietary and behavioural changes?
1Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. jdwyer1@lifespan.org
The British Journal of Nutrition
|July 13, 2000
Summary
The food industry plays a crucial role in promoting healthy eating by increasing access to nutritious foods and developing appealing, health-conscious products. It also influences consumer behavior and supports research linking diet and health.
Area of Science:
- Food science and nutrition
- Public health
- Behavioral science
Background:
- Dietary patterns significantly impact chronic degenerative diseases.
- Behavioral changes are essential for public health.
- The food industry's influence on dietary habits is substantial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the multifaceted roles of the food industry in promoting dietary and behavioral changes.
- To identify direct and indirect strategies the industry can employ.
- To emphasize the industry's contribution to health-related research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of industry roles.
- Analysis of industry's direct contributions (product availability, formulation).
- Examination of industry's indirect contributions (consumer motivation, coalition participation, research collaboration).
Main Results:
- The food industry has five key roles in facilitating dietary and behavioral shifts.
- Direct roles include enhancing availability of healthy commodities and formulating beneficial food products.
- Indirect roles involve motivating consumers, participating in health coalitions, and supporting research.
Conclusions:
- The food industry is pivotal in guiding consumers toward healthier dietary patterns.
- Strategic industry involvement can mitigate risks associated with chronic degenerative diseases.
- Collaboration between the food industry and researchers is vital for advancing nutritional science and public health outcomes.