Transitioning towards more plant-based diets: sharing expert knowledge through a system lens.

Area of Science:

• Food systems analysis
• Nutritional science
• Environmental health

Background:

• Dietary shifts towards plant-based proteins are crucial for health and sustainability.
• Existing research often overlooks the complex, interconnected nature of food environments influencing protein consumption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize expert mental models of the food environment influencing protein consumption.
• To develop an overarching system view of factors driving the protein transition.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving interviews with eight review authors.
• Utilized causal loop diagrams (CLDs) to visualize mental models.
• Organized variables using the Determinants of Nutrition and Eating Framework.

Main Results:

• Identified numerous feedback loops reinforcing current protein consumption patterns (e.g., habit, availability, social support).
• Highlighted disagreements among experts regarding variable relationships and a lack of reciprocity between physical and social food environments.
• Exposed knowledge gaps concerning long-term behavior and multi-variable interactions.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized system view serves as a boundary object to direct future research.
• Emphasizes the necessity of systems thinking and holistic approaches for understanding and facilitating the plant-based protein transition.
• Underscores the interconnectedness of diverse elements within the food environment.