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Smith R. Public health economics: Should it be more offensive? HEALTH ECONOMICS 2024. [PMID: 38837483 DOI: 10.1002/hec.4868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Smith
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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2
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Cullerton K, Adams J, Forouhi NG, Francis O, White M. Avoiding conflicts of interest and reputational risks associated with population research on food and nutrition: the Food Research risK (FoRK) guidance and toolkit for researchers. BMJ 2024; 384:e077908. [PMID: 38286473 PMCID: PMC10823375 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-077908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jean Adams
- Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Nita G Forouhi
- Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Oliver Francis
- Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Martin White
- Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
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Vanderlee L, Sacks G. Recommended nutrition-related practices for online food delivery companies. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:3343-3348. [PMID: 37944996 PMCID: PMC10755444 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023002495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lana Vanderlee
- École de Nutrition, Centre NUTRISS (Nutrition, Santé et Société), Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF), Université Laval, 2440 Boulevard Hochelaga, Quebec, QCG1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Gary Sacks
- Deakin University, Institute for Health Transformation, Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Geelong, VIC, Australia
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O'Hearn M, Reedy J, Robinson E, Economos C, Wong JB, Sacks G, Mozaffarian D. Landscape analysis of environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing metrics for consumer nutrition and health in the food and beverage sector. BMJ Nutr Prev Health 2023; 6:139-152. [PMID: 38264364 PMCID: PMC10800242 DOI: 10.1136/bmjnph-2022-000600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The private sector plays a critical role in influencing food choices and health outcomes of consumers. Among private sector actors, investors are a powerful yet underutilised stakeholder for driving scalable public health impact. There are systems to facilitate investors' involvement, notably environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing, which is well placed to include an assessment of business risks to social well-being. However, nutrition efforts within the ESG agenda (ESG-Nutrition) are nascent. We aimed to critically assess the strength of existing ESG-Nutrition metrics to advance the science of measuring business impacts on consumer nutrition and health. Methods ESG-Nutrition metrics were extracted from eight ESG frameworks and categorised across four domains: product portfolio healthfulness; product distribution and equity; product marketing and labelling; and nutrition-related governance. The strength of each metric was evaluated and scored 1-3 (best), independently by two researchers, based on six attributes: materiality, objectivity, alignment, activity, resolution and verifiability. The total score (range 6-18) and intercorrelation for each attribute was calculated. Results Across 529 metrics, most related to product marketing and labelling (n=230, 43.5%), followed by product healthfulness (n=126, 23.8%), nutrition-related governance (n=108, 20.4%) and product distribution and equity (n=65, 12.3%). Across all metrics, average total score was 10.94 (1.58), with average attribute scoring highest for verifiability (mean: 2.36 (SD: 0.57)), objectivity (2.11 (0.61)) and materiality (2.01 (0.68)) and lowest for activity (1.83 (0.74)), alignment (1.37 (0.67)) and resolution (1.26 (0.65)). Most intercorrelations were null, suggesting attributes were measuring distinct characteristics of each metric. Significant heterogeneity across domains and frameworks was also observed. Conclusions This research identifies a range of nutrition-related metrics used in ESG frameworks with respect to food companies, but with substantial heterogeneity in relevant nutrition domains covered and strength of each metric. Efforts are required to improve the quality of metrics across frameworks, establish standardised reporting and align these with investor priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan O'Hearn
- Food Systems for the Future Institute, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julia Reedy
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ella Robinson
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christina Economos
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John B Wong
- Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Tufts Medical Center, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gary Sacks
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dariush Mozaffarian
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Hamel V, Hennessy M, Mialon M, Moubarac JC. Interactions Between Nutrition Professionals and Industry: A Scoping Review. Int J Health Policy Manag 2023; 12:7626. [PMID: 38618820 PMCID: PMC10590255 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2023.7626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, interactions between nutrition professionals (NPs) and the food industry, such as sponsorship arrangements, have raised concerns, particularly as these may negatively impact the trustworthiness and credibility of the nutrition profession. This study aimed to map the literature and identify knowledge gaps regarding interactions between NPs and industry. We sought to examine the nature of such interactions and NPs perspectives about these, as well as the risks and solutions. METHODS We conducted a scoping review according to a pre-registered protocol, searching eight electronic databases and grey literature sources in March 2021 to identify documents for inclusion. Two independent reviewers screened citations for inclusion and conducted data extraction. Quantitative and qualitative syntheses were conducted. RESULTS We identified 115 documents for analysis, published between 1980 to 2021, with a majority from the United States (n=59, 51%). Only 32% (n=37) were empirical studies. The food industry was the most frequent industry type discussed (n=91, 79%). We identified 32 types of interactions between NPs and industry, such as continuing education provided by industry and sponsorship of professional bodies and health and nutrition organizations. The financial survival of nutrition organizations and continuing education access for NPs were the most frequently cited advantages of industry-NPs interactions. On the other hand, undermining public trust, NPs credibility and public health nutrition recommendations were pointed out as risks of these interactions. Following a code of ethics, policies, or guidelines was the most frequently proposed solution for managing these interactions. CONCLUSION Despite the increasing attention given to this issue, few empirical papers have been published to date. There is a need for more research to better and systematically document industry interactions with NPs and the impacts associated with these, as well as more research on effective management strategies. Registry Name and Number: Interactions between nutrition professionals and industry actors: A scoping review protocol. doi:10.17605/OSF.IO/Q6PUA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Hamel
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche en Santé publique, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marita Hennessy
- College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Mélissa Mialon
- Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jean-Claude Moubarac
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche en Santé publique, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Qian Y, Che Z, Fu C, Chen X, Zeng J, Zhang X, Zeng Y, Yin J. Study on the Association Between Dietary Quality and Overweight/Obesity of Han Nationality with Cold in Yunnan Plateau by DBI-16 - A Study Based on a Multi-Ethnic Cohort in China. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2023; 16:2311-2327. [PMID: 37554425 PMCID: PMC10405812 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s420260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, with the rapidly development of economic globalization, residents' dietary structure has undergone major changes, and diet have emerged as an important environmental factors linked to the increased incidence of obesity. Therefore, evaluating the overall dietary quality and structure of residents, further clarifying the main dietary factors that lead to disease occurrence, is of great practical significance for disease prevention and control. METHODS Baseline data from the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort study (CMEC), Han people living in high-altitude and cold regions of Yunnan Province, which was 1518 participants. In this study, the dietary balance index (DBI-16) was used (i) To evaluate the dietary quality of Han nationality residents 30-79 years old in the Yunnan plateau; (ii) To analyze the correlation between the dietary quality and overweight/obesity; (iii) And to provide reference basis of nutritional intervention for local residents and explore the main dietary factors affecting their health status. RESULTS The dietary structure of the Han nationality residents in the cold regions of Yunnan plateau is unreasonable. Firstly, the intake of cereals, fruits, dairy, eggs and fishes is insufficient to varying degrees, while the intake of beans, poultry, and cooking oil is relatively high. Secondly, the dietary patterns of normal groups, the overweight and obese groups obeyed the A, E, H and I dietary patterns, and the serum Leptin and adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) levels of the overweight and obese group were higher than the normal group between the different dietary patterns (P < 0.05, r > 0). Additionally, excessive dietary intake was positively correlated with a higher serum UCP1 level (P < 0.05, r > 0). In comparison, insufficient dietary intake was positively correlated with a higher serum A-FABP level (P < 0.05, r > 0). CONCLUSION Through the DBI-16, it is found that the dietary structure of the Han nationality residents in the cold regions of Yunnan plateau was in a serious imbalance state, and nutritional guidance and intervention should be further strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Qian
- School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhuohang Che
- School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chuanwen Fu
- School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinqiang Chen
- School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia Zeng
- School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuehui Zhang
- School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongli Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianzhong Yin
- School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, People’s Republic of China
- Baoshan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Baoshan, 678000, People’s Republic of China
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Forde H, Chavez-Ugalde Y, Jones RA, Garrott K, Kotta PA, Greaves F, Targett V, White M, Adams J. The conceptualisation and operationalisation of 'marketing' in public health research: a review of reviews focused on food marketing using principles from critical interpretive synthesis. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1419. [PMID: 37488556 PMCID: PMC10367353 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16293-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extensive public health research reports the nature, scope and effects of various marketing activities used by food and drinks companies to support the sale of their products. Such literature informs the regulation of food marketing that encourages unhealthy eating behaviours and poor diet-related health outcomes. However, it is not clear whether this literature consistently conceptualises and applies marketing, which could in turn influence the approach and efficacy of policies to regulate food marketing. We aimed to understand the conceptualisation and operationalisation of marketing in public health research of food marketing, eventually focusing on the conceptualisation of integrated marketing. METHODS We conducted a review of reviews that drew on scoping review methods and applied principles of critical interpretive synthesis. Five databases of peer-reviewed literature and websites of relevant organisations were searched in June - August 2020. Articles were screened against inclusion criteria to identify reviews examining food marketing in a health context. Informative text segments from included articles were coded using NVivo. Codes were grouped into synthetic constructs and a synthesising argument. RESULTS After screening against inclusion criteria, 60 publications were eligible for inclusion. Informative text segments from 24 publications were coded, after which no new codes were identified. Our synthesising argument was that the understanding of integrated marketing appeared inconsistent across publications, such as by differences in use of underlying conceptual frameworks and in the application of terms such as marketing strategy and tactics. CONCLUSIONS Using our synthesising argument, we suggest ways to improve the future study of food marketing in public health research, for example by using in-depth case studies to understand the integrated operation and effect of multi-component marketing strategies. Improving conceptual clarity in the study of food marketing in public health research has the potential to inform policy that is more reflective of the true nature of marketing, and thus more effective in combating food marketing effects and protecting public health. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION The review protocol was made publicly available on Open Science Framework prior to the start of the study (DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/VSJCW ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Forde
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Yanaina Chavez-Ugalde
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, First Floor, 5 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1UD, UK
| | - Rebecca A Jones
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Kate Garrott
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Prasanti Alekhya Kotta
- Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Felix Greaves
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital, London, W6 8RP, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ, UK
| | - Victoria Targett
- Department of Health and Social Care, London, UK
- Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Martin White
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Jean Adams
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Box 285, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
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Harlan TS, Gow RV, Kornstädt A, Alderson PW, Lustig RH. The Metabolic Matrix: Re-engineering ultraprocessed foods to feed the gut, protect the liver, and support the brain. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1098453. [PMID: 37063330 PMCID: PMC10097968 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1098453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultraprocessed food is established as a metabolic disruptor acting to increase adiposity, reduce mitochondrial efficiency, drive insulin resistance, alter growth, and contribute to human morbidity and mortality. Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are beginning to understand the detrimental impact of the food they market, and have employed substitution strategies to reduce salt, sugar, and fat. However, the harms of ultraprocessed foods are far more complex than any single component, and are not ameliorated by such simple substitutions. Over the past 2 years, the authors have worked with the Kuwaiti Danish Dairy Company (KDD) to conduct a comprehensive scientific evaluation of their entire commercial food and beverage portfolio. Assay of the macronutrients, micronutrients, additives, and toxins contained in each of their products was undertaken to determine the precise nature of each product’s ingredients as well as the health impacts of processing. The authors formed a Scientific Advisory Team (SAT) and developed a tiered “Metabolic Matrix” founded in three science-based principles: (1) protect the liver, (2) feed the gut, and (3) support the brain. The Metabolic Matrix categorizes each product and provides the criteria, metrics, and recommendations for improvement or reformulation. Real-time consultation with the KDD Executive and Operations teams was vital to see these procedures through to fruition. This scientific exercise has enabled KDD to lay the groundwork for improving the health, well-being, and sustainability of their entire product line, while maintaining flavor, economic, and fiscal viability. This process is easily transferrable, and we are sharing this effort and its approaches as a proof-of-concept. The key aim of our work is to not only make ultraprocessed food healthier but to urge other food companies to implement similar analysis and reformulation of their product lines to improve the metabolic health and well-being of consumers worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy S. Harlan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
- *Correspondence: Timothy S. Harlan,
| | - Rachel V. Gow
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - P. Wolfram Alderson
- Human & Environmental Health Department, Kuwaiti Danish Dairy Company, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Robert H. Lustig
- Department of Pediatrics and Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Forde H, Penney TL, White M, Levy L, Greaves F, Adams J. Understanding Marketing Responses to a Tax on Sugary Drinks: A Qualitative Interview Study in the United Kingdom, 2019. Int J Health Policy Manag 2022; 11:2618-2629. [PMID: 35219285 PMCID: PMC9818127 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2022.5465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that countries implement fiscal policies to reduce the health impacts of sugary drinks. Few studies have fully examined the responses of industry to these policies, and whether they support or undermine health benefits of sugary drinks taxes. We aimed to explore the changes that sugary drinks companies may make to their marketing, and underlying decision-making processes, in response to such a tax. METHODS Following introduction of the UK Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL) in 2018, we undertook one-to-one semi-structured interviews with UK stakeholders with experience of the strategic decision-making or marketing of soft drinks companies. We purposively recruited interviewees using seed and snowball sampling. We conducted telephone interviews with 6 representatives from each of industry, academia and civil society (total n=18), which were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Four transcripts were double-coded, three were excluded from initial coding to allow comparison; and findings were checked by interviewees. RESULTS Themes were organised into a theoretical framework that reveals a cyclical, iterative and ongoing process of soft drinks company marketing decision-making, which was accelerated by the SDIL. Decisions about marketing affect a product's position, or niche, in the market and were primarily intended to maintain profits. A product's position is enacted through various marketing activities including reformulation and price variation, and non-marketing activities like lobbying. A soft drinks company's selection of marketing activities appeared to be influenced by their internal context, such as brand strength, and external context, such as consumer trends and policy. For example, a company with low brand strength and an awareness of trends for reducing sugar consumption may be more likely to reformulate to lower-sugar alternatives. CONCLUSION The theoretical framework suggests that marketing responses following the SDIL were coordinated and context-dependent, potentially explaining observed heterogeneity in responses across the industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Forde
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tarra L. Penney
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge, UK
- Global Food Systems and Policy Research, School of Global Health, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Martin White
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge, UK
| | - Louis Levy
- The Faculty of Health and Social Care, University of Chester, Chester, UK
- Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Felix Greaves
- Public Health England, London, UK
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, London, UK
| | - Jean Adams
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge, UK
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Health Determinants Associated with the Mediterranean Diet: A Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14194110. [PMID: 36235762 PMCID: PMC9571532 DOI: 10.3390/nu14194110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been shown to be a good tool for the prevention of obesity and other chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and to have a low environmental impact. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between declared morbidity, lifestyles and other sociodemographic factors with high adherence to the MD (AMD) in an adult population in southeastern Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of a sample (n = 2728) representative of a non-institutionalized population ≥16 years. The data corresponded to the 2010-11 Nutrition Survey of the Valencian Community. The AMD was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener questionnaire. The association of variables and high AMD was assessed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression determining crude and adjusted odds ratios. RESULTS Multivariate analysis showed that age 45 years or older, living with a partner, eating between meals, and not smoking were associated with high AMD. The age groups 45-64 years and 65 years or older showed the strongest association with high AMD in both sexes. CONCLUSION The investigation showed a generational loss of AMD. People older than 45 years and living in company are more likely to adhere to DM, the risk group being young people living alone and smokers.
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Van Dam I, Vandevijvere S. Benchmarking the nutrition-related commitments and practices of major French food companies. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1435. [PMID: 35902838 PMCID: PMC9330679 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13780-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study benchmarked and quantitatively assessed the transparency, specificity and comprehensiveness of nutrition-related commitments and related practices of the major companies within the French food industry. Methods To evaluate the nutrition-related commitments and practices across policy domains such as product reformulation, labelling, marketing, and accessibility, the ‘Business Impact Assessment on Obesity and population-level nutrition’ (BIA-Obesity) was applied. A total of 33 French food companies were selected using Euromonitor 2018 market share data, including major packaged food and non-alcoholic beverage manufacturers (N = 20), quick-service restaurants (N = 7), and supermarkets (N = 6). During 2019-2020 the publicly available commitments were collected for each company, scored according to the BIA-Obesity, and company representatives were provided with the opportunity to complete and verify the collected data. The following performance metrics were included to assess company practices: the median Nutri-Score of product portfolios, the proportion of products with Nutri-Score A or B, the percentage of products (not-)permitted to be marketed to children according to the World Health Organisation Europe nutrient profile model and the proportion of ultra-processed food products as determined by the NOVA-classification. In addition supermarket flyers were collected over a 6-months period to assess the healthiness of product promotions. Correlations between commitments and performance metrics were assessed applying the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Results Among the selected food companies, 13 companies verified and completed the publicly available data (response rate = 39%). Overall BIA-Obesity scores for company commitments varied between 2 and 74% with a median score of 28%. Scores for packaged food and non-alcoholic beverage manufacturers were higher than those for supermarkets and quick-service restaurants. The median proportion of foods with Nutri-Score A or B within product portfolios was 38% (range = 1-95%), while the median proportion of non-permitted products was 84% (range = 7-100%) and the median proportion of ultra-processed food products 63% (range = 5-100%). Stronger company commitments did not translate into better performance metrics. Conclusions There is room for significant improvement of both company commitments and performance. Current food industry action does not meet recommended best practices. The French government is urged to regulate food industry practices to create healthier food environments. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13780-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Van Dam
- Sciensano, Service of Lifestyle and chronic diseases, Brussels, Belgium.,Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UR ALISS, 94205, Ivry-sur-Seine, France
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin White
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, UK
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13
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Forde H, Boyland EJ, Scarborough P, Smith R, White M, Adams J. Exploring the potential impact of the proposed UK TV and online food advertising regulations: a concept mapping study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060302. [PMID: 35715182 PMCID: PMC9207937 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In July 2020 the UK Government announced an intention to restrict advertisements for products high in fat, salt or sugar on live broadcast, catch-up and on-demand television before 21:00 hours; and paid for online advertising. As no other jurisdiction has implemented similar regulations, there is no empirical evidence about how they might perturb the food system. To guide the regulations' implementation and evaluation, we aimed to develop a concept map to hypothesise their potential consequences for the commercial food system, health and society. METHODS We used adapted group concept mapping in four virtual workshops with food marketing and regulation experts across academia, civil society, government organisations, and industry (n=14), supported by Miro software. We merged concepts derived from the four workshops to develop a master map and then invited feedback from participants via email to generate a final concept map. RESULTS The concept map shows how the reactions of stakeholders to the regulations may reinforce or undermine the impact on the commercial food system, health and society. The map shows adaptations made by stakeholders that could reinforce, or undermine, positive impacts on public health. It also illustrates potential weaknesses in the design and implementation of the regulations that could result in little substantial difference to public health. CONCLUSIONS Prior to the regulations' initial implementation or subsequent iterations, they could be altered to maximise the potential for reinforcing adaptations, minimise the potential for undermining adaptations and ensure they cover a wide range of advertising opportunities and foods. The concept map will also inform the design of an evaluation of the regulations and could be used to inform the design and evaluation of similar regulations elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma J Boyland
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Peter Scarborough
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard Smith
- Institute of Health Research, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
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Van Dam I, Guillon E, Robinson E, Allais O, Sacks G, Vandevijvere S. Assessment of the Commitments and Performance of the European Food Industry to Improve Population Nutrition. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1604116. [PMID: 35719734 PMCID: PMC9198223 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Food companies could play an important role in improving population diets, but often escape accountability through unspecific commitments. This study evaluated nutrition-related commitments and estimated performance of the largest packaged food and non-alcoholic beverage manufacturers, supermarkets and quick-service restaurants (QSR) in Europe. Methods: To quantitatively assess companies’ publicly available commitments in 2020, the “Business Impact Assessment on Obesity and Population Nutrition” was applied. The proportion of sales from ultra-processed and “unhealthy” food categories (product categories not-permitted to be marketed to children) and over time changes in the number of QSR transactions and QSR and supermarket outlets were calculated. Results: Company commitments fell short of best practice recommendations (median overall score of 21%, range: 1%–62%). Food and beverage companies generated 82% (15%–100%) and 58% (1%–100%) sales from ultra-processed and “unhealthy” products, respectively. The number of QSR outlets and transactions substantially increased in Europe since 2011, while QSR commitments to improve population nutrition remained limited. Conclusion: Whilst most companies made some nutrition-related commitments, they did not comply with best practice recommendations. A large proportion of sales was generated from ultra-processed/unhealthy products and QSR outlets increased. Government regulations are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Van Dam
- Sciensano, Service of Lifestyle and Chronic Diseases, Brussels, Belgium
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UR ALISS, Ivry-sur-Seine, France
- *Correspondence: Iris Van Dam,
| | - Emilie Guillon
- Alimentation & Santé, UniLaSalle Campus de Beauvais, Beauvais, France
| | - Ella Robinson
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Olivier Allais
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UR ALISS, Ivry-sur-Seine, France
| | - Gary Sacks
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
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Van Dam I, Reimes N, Vandevijvere S. Benchmarking the nutrition-related commitments and practices of major Belgian food companies. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2022; 19:43. [PMID: 35392933 PMCID: PMC8991492 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-022-01269-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To benchmark and quantitatively assess the transparency, specificity and comprehensiveness of nutrition-related commitments, as well as related practices of the largest Belgian food companies. Methods The ‘Business Impact Assessment on Obesity and population-level nutrition’ (BIA-Obesity) was applied to evaluate nutrition-related commitments and practices concerning product formulation, labelling, promotion and accessibility by the biggest Belgian food and non-alcoholic beverage manufacturers (n = 19), supermarkets (n = 5) and quick-service restaurants (n = 7). Publicly available commitments were collected and company representatives given the opportunity to verify and complete the information (2019–2020). Commitments were scored according to the BIA-Obesity. To assess company practices, the following indicators were calculated: median Nutri-Score of product portfolios, the proportion of products not-permitted to be marketed to children (using the World Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe nutrient profile model), the proportion of ultra-processed food products (using the NOVA-classification) and the proportion of products displaying Nutri-Score on the front-of-pack. Promotions in supermarket flyers were analysed over a one-year period and quick-service restaurant density around schools was calculated. Correlations between commitments and performance indicators were calculated applying the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Results Eighteen out of 31 companies participated (56%). Overall BIA-Obesity scores for commitments ranged from 2 to 75% (median = 35%) with notable variation across policy domains and food industries. The proportion of portfolios consisting of A and B Nutri-Score products ranged from 0 to 100% (median = 29%). The median proportion of products not-permitted to be marketed to children was 81% (range = 12%-100%) and the median proportion of ultra-processed foods was 75% (range = 2%-100%) across product portfolios. No significant correlations were observed between the strength of commitments and related performance indicators. Conclusion Food industry actions do not meet recommended best practices. Performance indicators show large potential for improvement across policy domains and industries. Government regulations are urgently needed to improve food industry efforts and ensure that commitments translate into improved practices. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12966-022-01269-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Van Dam
- Sciensano, Service of Lifestyle and Chronic Diseases, Brussels, Belgium.,Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UR ALISS, 94205, Ivry-sur-Seine, France
| | - Naomi Reimes
- Rijksinstituut Voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
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Djojosoeparto SK, Kamphuis CBM, Vandevijvere S, Murrin C, Stanley I, Romaniuk P, Harrington JM, Poelman MP. Strength of EU-level food environment policies and priority recommendations to create healthy food environments. Eur J Public Health 2022; 32:504-511. [PMID: 35265982 PMCID: PMC9159309 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Food environments impact on diets, obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Government policies are essential to create healthy food environments. This study aimed to assess the strength of European Union (EU)-level policies, and identify and prioritize actions for the EU to create healthy food environments. Methods The Healthy Food Environment Policy Index (Food-EPI) was applied. The Food-EPI included 26 policy and 24 infrastructure support indicators. Independent experts (n = 31) rated the strength of EU-level policies and infrastructure support for each of these indicators (on a 5-point scale, from very weak to very strong) and identified and prioritized actions to improve food environments. Results For 65% of the 26 policy indicators, EU-level policies were rated as weak and for 23% as very weak. For 63% of the 24 infrastructure support indicators, EU-level policies were rated as moderate and for 33% as weak. The experts recommended 18 policy and 19 infrastructure support actions to the EU. The Top 5 prioritized policy actions included three actions in the food composition domain (e.g. setting mandatory food composition targets), one action in the food prices domain and one action in the food promotion domain. The Top 5 prioritized infrastructure support actions included three actions in the leadership domain (e.g. developing a high-level NCDs Prevention Strategy) and two actions in the monitoring domain. Conclusions There is large potential for the EU to strengthen its policies and infrastructure support in order to improve food environments. This study specifies priority actions for the EU to create healthy food environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne K Djojosoeparto
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Carlijn B M Kamphuis
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stefanie Vandevijvere
- Sciensano, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Service of Lifestyle and Chronic Diseases, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Celine Murrin
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Isobel Stanley
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Piotr Romaniuk
- Department of Health Policy, School of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | | | - Maartje P Poelman
- Chair group Consumption and Healthy Lifestyles, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Djojosoeparto SK, Kamphuis CBM, Vandevijvere S, Poelman MP. How can National Government Policies Improve Food Environments in the Netherlands? Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1604115. [PMID: 35321050 PMCID: PMC8935556 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Government policies are essential to create food environments that support healthy diets. The aims of this study were 1) to benchmark the implementation of Dutch government policies influencing food environments, and 2) to identify and prioritize actions to improve food environments in the Netherlands. Methods: The Healthy Food Environment Policy Index (Food-EPI) was applied. The Food-EPI includes 46 indicators of food environment policy and infrastructure support. Independent experts (n = 28) rated the extent of implementation on these indicators against international best practices, and formulated and prioritized policy and infrastructure support actions to improve food environments. Results: Most policy indicators were rated as having a low (50%) or very low (41%) level of implementation. Most infrastructure support indicators were rated as having a fair (42%) or medium (42%) level of implementation. 18 policy and 11 infrastructure support actions were recommended by experts to improve food environments in the Netherlands. Conclusion: There is large potential for the Dutch national government to strengthen its policy action and infrastructure support in order to improve the healthiness of food environments in the Netherlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne K. Djojosoeparto
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Sanne K. Djojosoeparto,
| | - Carlijn B. M. Kamphuis
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Maartje P. Poelman
- Chair Group Consumption and Healthy Lifestyles, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
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Yau A, Berger N, Law C, Cornelsen L, Greener R, Adams J, Boyland EJ, Burgoine T, de Vocht F, Egan M, Er V, Lake AA, Lock K, Mytton O, Petticrew M, Thompson C, White M, Cummins S. Changes in household food and drink purchases following restrictions on the advertisement of high fat, salt, and sugar products across the Transport for London network: A controlled interrupted time series analysis. PLoS Med 2022; 19:e1003915. [PMID: 35176022 PMCID: PMC8853584 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Restricting the advertisement of products with high fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) content has been recommended as a policy tool to improve diet and tackle obesity, but the impact on HFSS purchasing is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of HFSS advertising restrictions, implemented across the London (UK) transport network in February 2019, on HFSS purchases. METHODS AND FINDINGS Over 5 million take-home food and drink purchases were recorded by 1,970 households (London [intervention], n = 977; North of England [control], n = 993) randomly selected from the Kantar Fast Moving Consumer Goods panel. The intervention and control samples were similar in household characteristics but had small differences in main food shopper sex, socioeconomic position, and body mass index. Using a controlled interrupted time series design, we estimated average weekly household purchases of energy and nutrients from HFSS products in the post-intervention period (44 weeks) compared to a counterfactual constructed from the control and pre-intervention (36 weeks) series. Energy purchased from HFSS products was 6.7% (1,001.0 kcal, 95% CI 456.0 to 1,546.0) lower among intervention households compared to the counterfactual. Relative reductions in purchases of fat (57.9 g, 95% CI 22.1 to 93.7), saturated fat (26.4 g, 95% CI 12.4 to 40.4), and sugar (80.7 g, 95% CI 41.4 to 120.1) from HFSS products were also observed. Energy from chocolate and confectionery purchases was 19.4% (317.9 kcal, 95% CI 200.0 to 435.8) lower among intervention households than for the counterfactual, with corresponding relative reductions in fat (13.1 g, 95% CI 7.5 to 18.8), saturated fat (8.7 g, 95% CI 5.7 to 11.7), sugar (41.4 g, 95% CI 27.4 to 55.4), and salt (0.2 g, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.2) purchased from chocolate and confectionery. Relative reductions are in the context of secular increases in HFSS purchases in both the intervention and control areas, so the policy was associated with attenuated growth of HFSS purchases rather than absolute reduction in HFSS purchases. Study limitations include the lack of out-of-home purchases in our analyses and not being able to assess the sustainability of observed changes beyond 44 weeks. CONCLUSIONS This study finds an association between the implementation of restrictions on outdoor HFSS advertising and relative reductions in energy, sugar, and fat purchased from HFSS products. These findings provide support for policies that restrict HFSS advertising as a tool to reduce purchases of HFSS products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Yau
- Population Health Innovation Lab, Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (AY); (SC)
| | - Nicolas Berger
- Population Health Innovation Lab, Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Scientific Institute of Public Health (Sciensano), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cherry Law
- Population Health Innovation Lab, Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Cornelsen
- Population Health Innovation Lab, Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Greener
- Population Health Innovation Lab, Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jean Adams
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Emma J. Boyland
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Burgoine
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Frank de Vocht
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration West, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Matt Egan
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vanessa Er
- Population Health Innovation Lab, Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amelia A. Lake
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
- Fuse–The Centre for Translational Research in Public Health, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Lock
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Mytton
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Petticrew
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Thompson
- Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care, School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Martin White
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Cummins
- Population Health Innovation Lab, Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (AY); (SC)
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Abstract
Purpose of Review The aim of this paper is to summarise current trends and new developments with regard to institutional investor actions related to nutrition and obesity prevention. Recent Findings Investor-related activity related to improving population diets is building, with several recent initiatives aiming to accelerate achievement of global nutrition goals. There is increasing civil society and investor activism focused on leveraging investor influence to improve nutrition-related food company actions. There are multiple sustainability-related reporting standards; however, few include comprehensive nutrition-related metrics. Summary There is increasing interest from institutional investors in addressing nutrition-related issues; however, investor activity in the area is piece-meal. There is a need for further integration of nutrition within current reporting frameworks. Methodological alignment across the increasing number of food industry accountability initiatives would likely help galvanise increased investor action. Some jurisdictions are introducing relevant mandatory reporting requirements, which are likely to play a key role in enhancing transparency by the food industry and financial institutions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13668-021-00389-7.
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Fernandez MA, Raine KD. Digital Food Retail: Public Health Opportunities. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13113789. [PMID: 34836044 PMCID: PMC8624168 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
For over two decades, digital food retail services have been emerging alongside advances in mobile technology and improved access to wi-fi. Digitalization has driven changes within the food environment, complicating an already complex system that influences food-related behaviors and eating practices. Digital food retail services support an infrastructure that enhances commercial food systems by extending access to and availability of highly processed foods, further escalating poor dietary intakes. However, digital food retail services are heterogeneous–food delivery apps, online groceries, and meal kits–and can be feasibly adapted to nutrition interventions and personalized to individual needs. Although sparse, new evidence indicates great potential for digital food retail services to address food insecurity in urban areas and to support healthy eating by making it easier to select, plan, and prepare meals. Digital food retail services are a product of the digital transformation that reflect consumers’ constant need for convenience, which must be addressed in future research and interventions. This paper will discuss public health opportunities that are emerging from the global uptake of digital food retail services, with a focus on online groceries, food delivery apps, and meal kits.
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Zhang Q, Ruan Y, Hu W, Li J, Zhao J, Peng M, Wan R, Min X, He S, Liu Z. Perceived social support and diet quality among ethnic minority groups in Yunnan Province, Southwestern China: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1726. [PMID: 34551756 PMCID: PMC8459473 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11787-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Social support is an important health determinant and may affect dietary behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine the relations between perceived social support and the Chinese Diet Balance Index-16 (DBI-16) among ethnic minority groups in Southwest China. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2019 and August 2020 among six ethnic minority groups native to Yunnan Province (n = 3564). Perceived social support from family, friends and significant others were measured with the Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Dietary data were obtained using a 100-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and a lifestyle questionnaire. Lower Bound Score (LBS), Higher Bound Score (HBS) and Diet Quality Distance (DQD) which represent inadequate, excessive and unbalanced food intake respectively were calculated to measure the compliance with the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese 2016. Results One thousand four hundred ninety-six men and two thousand sixty-eight women were included. 51.2% of the subjects had moderate or high levels of inadequate intake; 21.3% had moderate or high levels of excessive intake; and 74.0% had moderate or high levels of unbalanced dietary intake. With potential confounders adjusted, support from family was negatively associated with inadequate intake, while support from friends was positively associated with inadequate and excessive intake. No significant associations were found between perceived social support from significant others and diet quality indicators. Conclusions An unbalanced diet is common among adults of the ethnic minority groups in Yunnan Province, Southwest China. Social support should be taken into account in designing nutrition interventions rather than focusing solely on individuals. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11787-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, 650022, China
| | - Yuan Ruan
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, 650022, China
| | - Wenmin Hu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, 650022, China
| | - Juanjuan Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, 650022, China
| | - Jiang Zhao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, 650022, China
| | - Min Peng
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, 650022, China
| | - Rong Wan
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, 650022, China
| | - Xiangdong Min
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, 650022, China
| | - Shaomei He
- Department of Chronic Disease Prevention, Lanping County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lanping, 671400, China
| | - Zhitao Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, 650022, China.
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Dale MJ, Carroll SJ, Daniel M. The conflict between Public Health and 'Big Food': A Counterinsurgency? Health Promot J Austr 2021; 33:614-617. [PMID: 34543486 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This commentary characterises as an insurgency those elements of the Food Industry seeking to retain and expand industry profit-making opportunity with scant regard to the effect on public health and wellbeing. Premised on a conflict in which the battlespace encompasses the drivers of (un)healthful behaviour, our view encourages opponents of Food Industry methods to consider an approach based on analogy of successful Counter-Insurgency strategies to a health promotion context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Dale
- Australian Geo-Spatial Health Laboratory, Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Suzanne J Carroll
- Australian Geo-Spatial Health Laboratory, Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Mark Daniel
- Australian Geo-Spatial Health Laboratory, Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, ACT, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
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Chang K, Khandpur N, Neri D, Touvier M, Huybrechts I, Millett C, Vamos EP. Association Between Childhood Consumption of Ultraprocessed Food and Adiposity Trajectories in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children Birth Cohort. JAMA Pediatr 2021; 175:e211573. [PMID: 34125152 PMCID: PMC8424476 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2021.1573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Importance Reports of associations between higher consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPF) and elevated risks of obesity, noncommunicable diseases, and mortality in adults are increasing. However, associations of UPF consumption with long-term adiposity trajectories have never been investigated in children. Objective To assess longitudinal associations between UPF consumption and adiposity trajectories from childhood to early adulthood. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective birth cohort study included children who participated in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) in Avon County, southwest England. Children were followed up from 7 to 24 years of age during the study period from September 1, 1998, to October 31, 2017. Data were analyzed from March 1, 2020, to January 31, 2021. Exposures Baseline dietary intake data were collected using 3-day food diaries. Consumption of UPF (applying the NOVA food classification system) was computed as a percentage of weight contribution in the total daily food intake for each participant and categorized into quintiles. Main Outcomes and Measures Repeated recordings of objectively assessed anthropometrics (body mass index [BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared], weight, and waist circumference) and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry measurements (fat and lean mass indexes [calculated as fat and lean mass, respectively, divided by height in meters squared] and body fat percentage). Associations were evaluated using linear growth curve models and were adjusted for study covariates. Results A total of 9025 children (4481 [49.7%] female and 4544 [50.3%] male) were followed up for a median of 10.2 (interquartile range, 5.2-16.4) years. The mean (SD) UPF consumption at baseline was 23.2% (5.0%) in quintile 1, 34.7% (2.5%) in quintile 2, 43.4% (2.5%) in quintile 3, 52.7% (2.8%) in quintile 4, and 67.8% (8.1%) in quintile 5. Among those in the highest quintile of UPF consumption compared with their lowest quintile counterpart, trajectories of BMI increased by an additional 0.06 (95% CI, 0.04-0.08) per year; fat mass index, by an additional 0.03 (95% CI, 0.01-0.05) per year; weight, by an additional 0.20 (95% CI, 0.11-0.28) kg per year; and waist circumference, by an additional 0.17 (95% CI, 0.11-0.22) cm per year. Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest that higher UPF consumption is associated with greater increases in adiposity from childhood to early adulthood. Robust public health measures that promote minimally processed foods and discourage UPF consumption among children are urgently needed to reduce obesity in England and globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiara Chang
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neha Khandpur
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Center for Epidemiological Research in Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Daniela Neri
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Center for Epidemiological Research in Nutrition and Health, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mathilde Touvier
- Paris 13 University, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1153, INRA, Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team, Epidemiology and Statistics Research Center–University of Paris, Bobigny, France
| | - Inge Huybrechts
- Nutrition and Metabolism Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Christopher Millett
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eszter P. Vamos
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Gómez-Donoso C, Sacks G, Vanderlee L, Hammond D, White CM, Nieto C, Bes-Rastrollo M, Cameron AJ. Public support for healthy supermarket initiatives focused on product placement: a multi-country cross-sectional analysis of the 2018 International Food Policy Study. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2021; 18:78. [PMID: 34127002 PMCID: PMC8201822 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-021-01149-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food retail environments have an influential role in shaping purchasing behavior and could contribute to improving dietary patterns at a population level. However, little is known about the level of public support for different types of initiatives to encourage healthy food choices in supermarkets, and whether this varies across countries or context. The current study aimed to explore the level of support for three potential supermarket initiatives focused on product placement across five countries, and factors that may influence this support. METHODS A total of 22,264 adults from Australia, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States (US) provided information on support for three supermarket initiatives related to product placement (targeting product positioning: 'checkouts with only healthy products', 'fewer end-of-aisle displays containing unhealthy foods or soft drinks' or availability: 'more shelf space for fresh and healthier foods') as part of the online 2018 International Food Policy Study. The proportion of respondents that supported each initiative was assessed across countries, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the influence of sociodemographic factors on support. RESULTS The initiative that received the highest support was 'more shelf space for fresh and healthier foods': 72.0% [95% CI 71.3-72.7], whereas 'checkouts with only healthy products' received the lowest support: 48.6% [95% CI 47.8-49.4]. The level of support differed between countries (p < 0.001 for all initiatives), with the US generally showing the lowest support and Mexico the highest. Noteworthy, in the overall sample, there was not much opposition to any of the initiatives (2.5-14.2%), whereas there was a large proportion of neutral responses (25.5-37.2%). Respondents who were older, female, highly educated, and those who reported having more nutrition knowledge tended to be more supportive, with several differences between countries and initiatives. CONCLUSIONS Most people in the assessed five countries showed a generally high level of support for three placement initiatives in supermarkets to encourage healthy food choices. Support varied by type of initiative (i.e., product positioning or availability) and was influenced by several factors related to country context and sociodemographic characteristics. This evidence could prompt and guide retailers and policy makers to take stronger action to promote healthy food choices in stores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Gómez-Donoso
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Centre Network on Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gary Sacks
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood VIC, Geelong, 3125, Australia
| | - Lana Vanderlee
- Centre Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS), Institut sur la nutrition et les aliments fonctionnels, École de nutrition, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Christine M White
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Claudia Nieto
- Centro de Investigación en Nutrición y Salud, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Maira Bes-Rastrollo
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Centre Network on Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrian J Cameron
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood VIC, Geelong, 3125, Australia.
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Carducci B, Oh C, Roth DE, Neufeld LM, Frongillo EA, L'Abbe MR, Fanzo J, Herforth A, Sellen DW, Bhutta ZA. Gaps and priorities in assessment of food environments for children and adolescents in low- and middle-income countries. NATURE FOOD 2021; 2:396-403. [PMID: 37118231 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-021-00299-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
School-aged children and adolescents have complex interactions with their food environments-the point of engagement of individuals with the food system-and are influenced by a diversity of individual, household and organizational factors. Although a wide range of methods have been proposed to define, monitor and evaluate food environments, few are tailored to school-aged children and adolescents. Here, we interrogate published literature on food metrics and methodologies for the characterization of food environments for school-aged children and adolescents living in low- and middle-income counties. We identify key priority actions and potential indicators for better monitoring and evaluation to galvanize policymaking to improve the healthiness of these interactions, which are so crucial to future adult well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Carducci
- Centre for Global Child Health, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research, Learning Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christina Oh
- Centre for Global Child Health, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research, Learning Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel E Roth
- Centre for Global Child Health, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research, Learning Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public, Health University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Joannah and Brian Lawson Centre for Child Nutrition, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Edward A Frongillo
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Mary R L'Abbe
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Joannah and Brian Lawson Centre for Child Nutrition, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Fanzo
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Washington DC, USA
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anna Herforth
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel W Sellen
- Centre for Global Child Health, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research, Learning Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Joannah and Brian Lawson Centre for Child Nutrition, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Centre for Global Child Health, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research, Learning Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Dalla Lana School of Public, Health University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Joannah and Brian Lawson Centre for Child Nutrition, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
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Pan XF, Wang L, Pan A. Epidemiology and determinants of obesity in China. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2021; 9:373-392. [PMID: 34022156 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(21)00045-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 607] [Impact Index Per Article: 202.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Obesity has become a major public health issue in China. Overweight and obesity have increased rapidly in the past four decades, and the latest national prevalence estimates for 2015-19, based on Chinese criteria, were 6·8% for overweight and 3·6% for obesity in children younger than 6 years, 11·1% for overweight and 7·9% for obesity in children and adolescents aged 6-17 years, and 34·3% for overweight and 16·4% for obesity in adults (≥18 years). Prevalence differed by sex, age group, and geographical location, but was substantial in all subpopulations. Strong evidence from prospective cohort studies has linked overweight and obesity to increased risks of major non-communicable diseases and premature mortality in Chinese populations. The growing burden of overweight and obesity could be driven by economic developments, sociocultural norms, and policies that have shaped individual-level risk factors for obesity through urbanisation, urban planning and built environments, and food systems and environments. Substantial changes in dietary patterns have occurred in China, with increased consumption of animal-source foods, refined grains, and highly processed, high-sugar, and high-fat foods, while physical activity levels in all major domains have decreased with increasing sedentary behaviours. The effects of dietary factors and physical inactivity intersect with other individual-level risk factors such as genetic susceptibility, psychosocial factors, obesogens, and in-utero and early-life exposures. In view of the scarcity of research around the individual and collective roles of these upstream and downstream factors, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary studies are urgently needed to identify systemic approaches that target both the population-level determinants and individual-level risk factors for obesity in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong-Fei Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Limin Wang
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - An Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Monsivais P, Thompson C, Astbury CC, Penney TL. Environmental approaches to promote healthy eating: Is ensuring affordability and availability enough? BMJ 2021; 372:n549. [PMID: 33785485 PMCID: PMC8008259 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.n549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Monsivais
- Elson S Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, USA
| | - Claire Thompson
- School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Chloe Clifford Astbury
- School of Global Health, Global Strategy Lab, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tarra L Penney
- School of Global Health, Global Strategy Lab, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Bosy-Westphal A, Müller MJ. [Diet and Nutrition in the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD)]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2021; 146:389-397. [PMID: 33735925 DOI: 10.1055/a-1248-5539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Today, more than 50 % of adults in Germany are overweight, 20 million people are obese and 10 to 30 % suffer from non-communicable diseases (NCD). Unhealthy dietary patterns contribute to NCD, thus, NCD are at least partly avoidable. During the last decades nutrition research has changed from nutrients to foods identifying healthy food patterns characterizing healthy diets, e. g., Mediterranean diet, DASH diet and/or the New Nordic Diet. Scientifically, these diets have been shown to be effective strategies of primary and secondary prevention of NCD. Based on this evidence prevention of NCD is now urgently needed at the population level. However, effective public health strategies of prevention and health promotion go beyond daily medical practice and require re-thinking of our food system within a greater context of our environment and climate. To become sustainable, strategies and measures of behavior prevention addressing individuals have to be extended to measures against the obesogenic environment and its systemic drivers within our food system. Thus, social and political changes are needed for a better future health of the nation. Physicians may take the leadership to be prepared to add to a whole of society approach of prevention and health promotion.
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THEIS DOLLYR, WHITE MARTIN. Is Obesity Policy in England Fit for Purpose? Analysis of Government Strategies and Policies, 1992-2020. Milbank Q 2021; 99:126-170. [PMID: 33464689 PMCID: PMC7984668 DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Policy Points This analysis finds that government obesity policies in England have largely been proposed in a way that does not readily lead to implementation; that governments rarely commission evaluations of previous government strategies or learn from policy failures; that governments have tended to adopt less interventionist policy approaches; and that policies largely make high demands on individual agency, meaning they rely on individuals to make behavior changes rather than shaping external influences and are thus less likely to be effective or equitable. These findings may help explain why after 30 years of proposed government obesity policies, obesity prevalence and health inequities still have not been successfully reduced. If policymakers address the issues identified in this analysis, population obesity could be tackled more successfully, which has added urgency given the COVID-19 pandemic. CONTEXT In England, the majority of adults, and more than a quarter of children aged 2 to 15 years live with obesity or excess weight. From 1992 to 2020, even though the government published 14 obesity strategies in England, the prevalence of obesity has not been reduced. We aimed to determine whether such government strategies and policies have been fit for purpose regarding their strategic focus, nature, basis in theory and evidence, and implementation viability. METHOD We undertook a mixed-methods study, involving a document review and analysis of government strategies either wholly or partially dedicated to tackling obesity in England. We developed a theory-based analytical framework, using content analysis and applied thematic analysis (ATA) to code all policies. Our interpretation drew on quantitative findings and thematic analysis. FINDINGS We identified and analyzed 14 government strategies published from 1992 to 2020 containing 689 wide-ranging policies. Policies were largely proposed in a way that would be unlikely to lead to implementation; the majority were not interventionist and made high demands on individual agency, meaning that they relied on individuals to make behavior changes rather than shaping external influences, and are thus less likely to be effective or to reduce health inequalities. CONCLUSIONS The government obesity strategies' failure to reduce the prevalence of obesity in England for almost 30 years may be due to weaknesses in the policies' design, leading to a lack of effectiveness, but they may also be due to failures of implementation and evaluation. These failures appear to have led to insufficient or no policy learning and governments proposing similar or identical policies repeatedly over many years. Governments should learn from their earlier policy failures. They should prioritize policies that make minimal demands on individuals and have the potential for population-wide reach so as to maximize their potential for equitable impacts. Policies should be proposed in ways that readily lead to implementation and evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- DOLLY R.Z. THEIS
- Centre for Diet and Activity Research and MRC Epidemiology UnitUniversity of Cambridge
| | - MARTIN WHITE
- Centre for Diet and Activity Research and MRC Epidemiology UnitUniversity of Cambridge,Bennett Institute for Public PolicyUniversity of Cambridge
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Abstract
I reflect upon the potential reasons why American low-income households do not spend an optimal proportion of their food budgets on fruits and vegetables, even though this would allow them to meet the recommended levels of fruit and vegetable consumption. Other priorities than health, automatic decision-making processes and access to healthy foods play a role, but solutions for the persistent socio-economic inequalities in diet should be sought in the wider food system which promotes cheap, mass-produced foods. I argue that, ultimately, healthy eating is not a matter of prioritisation by individual households but by policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Seferidi
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Christopher Millett
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Anthony A Laverty
- Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Complementary and alternative medicine. SIDE EFFECTS OF DRUGS ANNUAL 2021. [PMCID: PMC8488687 DOI: 10.1016/bs.seda.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Complementary and alternative medicine is used worldwide. The use of plant-based medicines for the prevention or treatment of disease is prevalent but not regulated or studied. Multiple countries are implementing pharmacovigilance systems to monitor the use and safety of dietary supplements. Reporting mechanisms continue to be sporadic and inconsistent, based mainly on consumer or healthcare provider reports outlining individual adverse effects (AEs) from dietary supplements. Supplement product ingredient lists may be inaccurate, claims biased, and Evidence-Based information regarding risks and benefits lacking. Healthcare providers should familiarize themselves with complementary medicine practices, the benefits and associated risks to best care for their patient populations. A global pandemic marked 2020 with the emergence of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A short review of vitamin and plant-based prevention, treatment, and associated ramifications with use of these products for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is provided. Another world-wide dilemma is food security. Nutrieconomics and the socioeconomic ramifications of food are reviewed from a wider timeframe. Reports and reviews from 2020 describe AEs of complementary and alternative medicine and herbal dietary supplements. These are listed alphabetically by plant or supplement name.
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Sacks G, Riesenberg D, Mialon M, Dean S, Cameron AJ. The characteristics and extent of food industry involvement in peer-reviewed research articles from 10 leading nutrition-related journals in 2018. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243144. [PMID: 33326431 PMCID: PMC7743938 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction There is emerging evidence that food industry involvement in nutrition research may bias research findings and/or research agendas. However, the extent of food industry involvement in nutrition research has not been systematically explored. This study aimed to identify the extent of food industry involvement in peer-reviewed articles from a sample of leading nutrition-related journals, and to examine the extent to which findings from research involving the food industry support industry interests. Methods All original research articles published in 2018 in the top 10 most-cited nutrition- and dietetics-related journals were analysed. We evaluated the proportion of articles that disclosed involvement from the food industry, including through author affiliations, funding sources, declarations of interest or other acknowledgments. Principal research findings from articles with food industry involvement, and a random sample of articles without food industry involvement, were categorised according to the extent to which they supported relevant food industry interests. Results 196/1,461 (13.4%) articles reported food industry involvement. The extent of food industry involvement varied by journal, with The Journal of Nutrition (28.3%) having the highest and Paediatric Obesity (3.8%) having the lowest proportion of industry involvement. Processed food manufacturers were involved in the most articles (77/196, 39.3%). Of articles with food industry involvement, 55.6% reported findings favourable to relevant food industry interests, compared to 9.7% of articles without food industry involvement. Conclusion Food industry involvement in peer-reviewed research in leading nutrition-related journals is commonplace. In line with previous literature, this study has shown that a greater proportion of peer-reviewed studies involving the food industry have results that favour relevant food industry interests than peer-reviewed studies without food industry involvement. Given the potential competing interests of the food industry, it is important to explore mechanisms that can safeguard the integrity and public relevance of nutrition research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Sacks
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Devorah Riesenberg
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melissa Mialon
- School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sarah Dean
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adrian J. Cameron
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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A Model Depicting the Retail Food Environment and Customer Interactions: Components, Outcomes, and Future Directions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17207591. [PMID: 33086537 PMCID: PMC7589434 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17207591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The retail food environment (RFE) has important implications for dietary intake and health, and dramatic changes in RFEs have been observed over the past few decades and years. Prior conceptual models of the RFE and its relationships with health and behavior have played an important role in guiding research; yet, the convergence of RFE changes and scientific advances in the field suggest the time is ripe to revisit this conceptualization. In this paper, we propose the Retail Food Environment and Customer Interaction Model to convey the evolving variety of factors and relationships that convene to influence food choice at the point of purchase. The model details specific components of the RFE, including business approaches, actors, sources, and the customer retail experience; describes individual, interpersonal, and household characteristics that affect customer purchasing; highlights the macro-level contexts (e.g., communities and nations) in which the RFE and customers behave; and addresses the wide-ranging outcomes produced by RFEs and customers, including: population health, food security, food justice, environmental sustainability, and business sustainability. We believe the proposed conceptualization helps to (1) provide broad implications for future research and (2) further highlight the need for transdisciplinary collaborations to ultimately improve a range of critical population outcomes.
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Spector TD, Gardner CD. Challenges and opportunities for better nutrition science-an essay by Tim Spector and Christopher Gardner. BMJ 2020; 369:m2470. [PMID: 32591334 PMCID: PMC7318878 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.m2470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The path to conducting better nutrition science entails recognising previous and inherent limitations and challenges and building on recent developments and opportunities, say Tim Spector and Christopher Gardner
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Kanter R, Boza S. Strengthening Local Food Systems in Times of Concomitant Global Crises: Reflections From Chile. Am J Public Health 2020; 110:971-973. [PMID: 32407131 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2020.305711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Kanter
- Rebecca Kanter is with the Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago. Sofía Boza is with the Department of Rural Management and Innovation, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and the Institute of International Studies, University of Chile, Santiago
| | - Sofía Boza
- Rebecca Kanter is with the Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago. Sofía Boza is with the Department of Rural Management and Innovation, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and the Institute of International Studies, University of Chile, Santiago
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