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Published on: June 4, 2014
Developing actionable dietary guidance messages: dietary fat as a case study.
1International Food Information Council, 1100 Connecticut Ave, NW, Suite 430, Washington, DC 20036, USA.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association
|June 27, 2001
Summary
Consumers know healthy eating is important but struggle to change behaviors. Research shows effective nutrition advice must empower individuals, address discomfort, and offer clear, actionable guidance for behavior change.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Behavioral Science
- Health Communication
Background:
- Consumer awareness of healthy eating importance often doesn't lead to behavior change.
- Qualitative research explored consumer attitudes and effective communication strategies for dietary advice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand consumer nutrition attitudes and identify communication methods that motivate behavior change.
- To inform the development of actionable dietary advice for the 2000 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative research including consumer focus groups and registered dietitian telephone interviews conducted in 1998-1999.
- Dietary fat intake was used as a case study for analysis and communication strategy development.
Main Results:
- The International Food Information Council (IFIC) research findings informed the 2000 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendation on fat intake.
- A 'moderate fat' message was found to be empowering, achievable, and flexible for consumers.
Conclusions:
- Effective nutrition communication must address consumer discomfort, foster empowerment, and provide clear, actionable information.
- Messages should motivate personal choice and promote common-sense approaches to diet.
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