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Caldeira TCM, Vandevijvere S, Swinburn B, Mackay S, Claro RM. Differences in the cost and environmental impact between the current diet in Brazil and healthy and sustainable diets: a modeling study. Nutr J 2024; 23:71. [PMID: 38982483 PMCID: PMC11234630 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-024-00973-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While healthy and sustainable diets benefit human and planetary health, their monetary cost has a direct impact on consumer food choices. This study aimed to identify the cost and environmental impact of the current Brazilian diet (CBD) and compare it with healthy and sustainable diets. METHODS Data from the Brazilian Household Budget Survey 2017/18 and the Footprints of Foods and Culinary Preparations Consumed in Brazil database were used for a modeling study comparing the cost of healthy and sustainable diets (based on the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines (BDG) diet and the EAT-Lancet diet) versus the CBD. The DIETCOST program generated multiple food baskets for each scenario (Montecarlo simulations). Nutritional quality, cost, and environmental impact measures (carbon footprint (CF) and water footprint (WF)) were estimated for all diets and compared by ANOVA. Simple linear regressions used standardized environmental impacts measures to estimate differentials in costs and environmental impacts among diets scenarios. RESULTS We observed significant differences in costs/1000 kcal. The BDG diet was cheaper (BRL$4.9 (95%IC:4.8;4.9) ≈ USD$1.5) than the CBD (BRL$5.6 (95%IC:5.6;5.7) ≈ USD$1.8) and the EAT-Lancet diet (BRL$6.1 (95%IC:6.0;6.1) ≈ USD$1.9). Ultra-processed foods (UPF) and red meat contributed the most to the CBD cost/1000 kcal, while fruits and vegetables made the lowest contribution to CBD. Red meat, sugary drinks, and UPF were the main contributors to the environmental impacts of the CBD. The environmental impact/1000 kcal of the CBD was nearly double (CF:3.1 kg(95%IC: 3.0;3.1); WF:2,705 L 95%IC:2,671;2,739)) the cost of the BDG diet (CF:1.4 kg (95%IC:1.4;1.4); WF:1,542 L (95%IC:1,524;1,561)) and EAT-Lancet diet (CF:1.1 kg (95%IC:1.0;1.1); WF:1,448 L (95%IC:1,428;1,469)). A one standard deviation increase in standardized CF corresponded to an increase of BRL$0.48 in the cost of the CBD, similar to standardized WF (BRL$0.56). A similar relationship between the environmental impact and the cost of the BDG (CF: BRL$0.20; WF: BRL$0.33) and EAT-Lancet (CF: BRL$0.04; WF: BRL$0.18) was found, but with a less pronounced effect. CONCLUSIONS The BDG diet was cost-effective, while the EAT-Lancet diet was slightly pricier than the CBD. The CBD presented almost double the CF and WF compared to the BDG and EAT-Lancet diets. The lower cost in each diet was associated with lower environmental impact, particularly for the BDG and EAT-Lancet diets. Multisectoral public policies must be applied to guide individuals and societies towards healthier and more sustainable eating patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Cristina Marquezine Caldeira
- Postgraduate Program in Public Health, Medical School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenue Professor Alfredo Balena, 190, Santa Efigênia, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100, Brazil.
| | | | - Boyd Swinburn
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sally Mackay
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rafael Moreira Claro
- Nutrition Department, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Lewis M, Nash S, Lee AJ. Cost and Affordability of Habitual and Recommended Diets in Welfare-Dependent Households in Australia. Nutrients 2024; 16:659. [PMID: 38474788 PMCID: PMC10935407 DOI: 10.3390/nu16050659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
It is crucial to ensure healthy diets are affordable in low socioeconomic groups, such as welfare-dependent households, who experience higher rates of diet-related disease than others. This study assessed the cost of habitual (unhealthy) and recommended (healthy) diets in six welfare-dependent and six other, comparable Australian households, using either popular branded products or the cheapest available alternatives. It also assessed diet affordability in welfare-dependent households, before and after modest increases in government welfare payments introduced in early September 2023. Results confirmed that recommended diets were less expensive than habitual diets in all households unless the cheapest available products were included. This strategy reduced habitual diet costs by 35-37% and recommended diet costs by 30-32%. The lower cost differential could aid perceptions that healthy foods are more expensive than unhealthy foods. In April 2023, 23-37% of the income of welfare-dependent households with children was required to purchase recommended diets; this reduced only to 20-35% in September 2023. Hence, the increases in welfare payments were insufficient to meaningfully improve the affordability of healthy diets in the most vulnerable Australians. In the current cost-of-living crisis, there is an urgent need for more welfare support to help purchase healthy diets. Monitoring of diet cost and affordability is also required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meron Lewis
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (S.N.); (A.J.L.)
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Pillay D, Ali A, Wham CA. Examining the New Zealand school food environment: what needs to change? Nutr Res Rev 2023; 36:406-419. [PMID: 35968693 DOI: 10.1017/s0954422422000154] [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] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Habitual dietary intakes and nutrition behaviours developed during childhood and adolescence pave the way for similar behaviours to manifest in adulthood. Childhood obesity rates have now reached a point where one in six children globally are classified as overweight or obese. Schools have the unique ability to reach almost all children during key developmental stages, making them an ideal setting for influencing children's nutrition behaviours. Evidence suggests the school food environment is not always conducive to healthy food choices and may be obesogenic. The aim of this narrative review is to explore factors that influence the healthy food and drink environment in and around schools in New Zealand. The review focused on evidence from New Zealand and Australia given the close resemblance in education systems and school food guidance. Using the Analysis Grid for Environments Linked to Obesity (ANGELO) framework, the school food environment was categorised into the following domains: economic, political, physical and socio-cultural factors. Findings suggest that food policies are not utilised within schools, and guidelines to improve the school food environment are not well implemented. Canteen profit models, lack of staff support and resources, and higher availability of low-cost unhealthy foods are among barriers that hinder implementation. This review highlights recommendations from existing evidence, including canteen pricing strategies, restriction of unhealthy foods and using peer modelling in a time-scarce curriculum to improve the school food environment. Key areas for improvement, opportunities to enhance policy implementation and untapped avenues to improve the food and nutrition behaviours of children are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danika Pillay
- School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ajmol Ali
- School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Carol A Wham
- School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
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Hoenink JC, Waterlander W, Vandevijvere S, Beulens JW, Mackenbach JD. The cost of healthy versus current diets in the Netherlands for households with a low, middle and high education. SSM Popul Health 2022; 20:101296. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Mauch CE, Wycherley TP, Bell LK, Laws RA, Byrne R, Golley RK. Parental work hours and household income as determinants of unhealthy food and beverage intake in young Australian children. Public Health Nutr 2022; 25:1-29. [PMID: 35135652 PMCID: PMC9991677 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980022000349] [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: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined parental work hours and household income as determinants of discretionary (energy dense, nutrient poor) food and beverage intake in young children, including differences by eating occasion. DESIGN Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data. Three hierarchical regression models were conducted with percent energy from discretionary food and beverages across the day, at main meals, and at snack times being the outcomes. Dietary intake was assessed by 1x24-hour recall and 1-2x24-hour food record(s). Both maternal/paternal work hours were included, and total household income. Covariates included household, parent and child factors. SETTING Data from the NOURISH/SAIDI studies were collected between 2008-13. PARTICIPANTS Participants included 526 mother-child dyads (median(IQR) child age 1.99(1.96,2.03) years). Forty-one percent of mothers did not work while 57% of fathers worked 35-40 hours/week. Most (85%) households had an income of ≥$50k AUD/year. RESULTS Household income was consistently inversely associated with discretionary energy intake (β= -0.12 to -0.15). Maternal part-time employment (21-35 hours/week) predicted child consumption of discretionary energy at main meals (β=0.10, p=0.04). Paternal unemployment predicted a lower proportion of discretionary energy at snacks (β= -0.09, p=0.047). CONCLUSIONS This work suggests that household income should be addressed as a key opportunity-related barrier to healthy food provision in families of young children. Strategies to reduce the time burden of healthy main meal provision may be required in families where mothers juggle longer part-time working hours with caregiving and domestic duties. The need to consider the role of fathers and other parents/caregivers in shaping children's intake was also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea E Mauch
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Level 7, SAHMRI building, North Terrace, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA5000, Australia
- Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood Centre of Research Excellence, Sydney, Australia
| | - Thomas P Wycherley
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lucinda K Bell
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Level 7, SAHMRI building, North Terrace, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA5000, Australia
| | - Rachel A Laws
- Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood Centre of Research Excellence, Sydney, Australia
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Science, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rebecca Byrne
- Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood Centre of Research Excellence, Sydney, Australia
- Queensland University of Technology, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Centre for Children’s Health Research, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rebecca K Golley
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Level 7, SAHMRI building, North Terrace, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA5000, Australia
- Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood Centre of Research Excellence, Sydney, Australia
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Russell C, Whelan J, Love P. Assessing the Cost of Healthy and Unhealthy Diets: A Systematic Review of Methods. Curr Nutr Rep 2022; 11:600-617. [PMID: 36083573 PMCID: PMC9461400 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-022-00428-x] [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] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Poor diets are a leading risk factor for chronic disease globally. Research suggests healthy foods are often harder to access, more expensive, and of a lower quality in rural/remote or low-income/high minority areas. Food pricing studies are frequently undertaken to explore food affordability. We aimed to capture and summarise food environment costing methodologies used in both urban and rural settings. RECENT FINDINGS Our systematic review of high-income countries between 2006 and 2021 found 100 relevant food pricing studies. Most were conducted in the USA (n = 47) and Australia (n = 24), predominantly in urban areas (n = 74) and cross-sectional in design (n = 76). All described a data collection methodology, with just over half (n = 57) using a named instrument. The main purpose for studies was to monitor food pricing, predominantly using the 'food basket', followed by the Nutrition Environment Measures Survey for Stores (NEMS-S). Comparatively, the Healthy Diets Australian Standardised Affordability and Price (ASAP) instrument supplied data on relative affordability to household incomes. Future research would benefit from a universal instrument reflecting geographic and socio-cultural context and collecting longitudinal data to inform and evaluate initiatives targeting food affordability, availability, and accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherie Russell
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Jillian Whelan
- School of Medicine, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Penelope Love
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia ,Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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Sacks G, Kwon J, Vandevijvere S, Swinburn B. Benchmarking as a Public Health Strategy for Creating Healthy Food Environments: An Evaluation of the INFORMAS Initiative (2012-2020). Annu Rev Public Health 2021; 42:345-362. [PMID: 33351647 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-100919-114442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and obesity are the leading contributors to poor health worldwide. Efforts to improve population diets need to focus on creating healthy food environments. INFORMAS, established in 2012, is an international network that monitors and benchmarks food environments and related policies. By 2020, INFORMAS was active in 58 countries; national government policies were the most frequent aspect benchmarked. INFORMAS has resulted in the development and widespread application of standardized methods for assessing the characteristics of food environments. The activities of INFORMAS have contributed substantially to capacity building, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and policy evaluation in relation to creating healthy food environments. Future efforts to benchmark food environments need to incorporate measurements related to environmental sustainability. For sustained impact, INFORMAS activities will need to be embedded within other existing monitoring initiatives. The most value will come from repeated assessments that help drive increased accountability for improving food environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Sacks
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia; ,
| | - Janelle Kwon
- Global Obesity Centre (GLOBE), Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia; ,
| | | | - Boyd Swinburn
- School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, St. Johns, Auckland 1072, New Zealand;
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Batis C, Marrón-Ponce JA, Stern D, Vandevijvere S, Barquera S, Rivera JA. Adoption of healthy and sustainable diets in Mexico does not imply higher expenditure on food. NATURE FOOD 2021; 2:792-801. [PMID: 37117976 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-021-00359-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
The relative cost of healthy and sustainable diets is key for their adoption in different countries. Using a newly developed modelling tool that generates different diet baskets, we compared the costs of diets following the EAT-Lancet healthy reference diet, the Mexican dietary guidelines and locals' current food intake. On average, the cost of the EAT-Lancet healthy reference diet baskets was 21% lower than that of the Mexican dietary guidelines baskets, and 40% lower than that of the current intake baskets (29% lower if the comparison was isocaloric). Findings were similar over time (2011-2018) and by geographic region. The higher cost associated with the larger amount of fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts in healthy and sustainable diets was surpassed by the savings associated with their lower amount of animal protein sources, sugar-sweetened beverages and discretionary foods. We conclude that transitioning to better diets in Mexico is possible without a higher expenditure on food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Batis
- CONACYT - National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico.
| | | | - Dalia Stern
- CONACYT - National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | | | | | - Juan A Rivera
- National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
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Starck CS, Blumfield M, Keighley T, Marshall S, Petocz P, Inan-Eroglu E, Abbott K, Cassettari T, Ali A, Wham C, Kruger R, Kira G, Fayet-Moore F. Nutrient Dense, Low-Cost Foods Can Improve the Affordability and Quality of the New Zealand Diet-A Substitution Modeling Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:7950. [PMID: 34360243 PMCID: PMC8345759 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The high prevalence of non-communicable disease in New Zealand (NZ) is driven in part by unhealthy diet selections, with food costs contributing to an increased risk for vulnerable population groups. This study aimed to: (i) identify the nutrient density-to-cost ratio of NZ foods; (ii) model the impact of substituting foods with a lower nutrient density-to-cost ratio with those with a higher nutrient density-to-cost ratio on diet quality and affordability in representative NZ population samples for low and medium socioeconomic status (SES) households by ethnicity; and (iii) evaluate food processing level. Foods were categorized, coded for processing level and discretionary status, analyzed for nutrient density and cost, and ranked by nutrient density-to-cost ratio. The top quartile of nutrient dense, low-cost foods were 56% unprocessed (vegetables, fruit, porridge, pasta, rice, nuts/seeds), 31% ultra-processed (vegetable dishes, fortified bread, breakfast cereals unfortified <15 g sugars/100 g and fortified 15-30 g sugars/100 g), 6% processed (fruit juice), and 6% culinary processed (oils). Using substitution modeling, diet quality improved by 59% and 71% for adults and children, respectively, and affordability increased by 20-24%, depending on ethnicity and SES. The NZ diet can be made healthier and more affordable when nutritious, low-cost foods are selected. Processing levels in the healthier, modeled diet suggest that some non-discretionary ultra-processed foods may provide a valuable source of low-cost nutrition for food insecure populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlene S. Starck
- Department of Translational Science, Nutrition Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia; (C.S.S.); (T.C.)
- Riddet Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand
| | - Michelle Blumfield
- Department of Science, Nutrition Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia; (M.B.); (T.K.); (S.M.); (P.P.); (E.I.-E.)
| | - Tim Keighley
- Department of Science, Nutrition Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia; (M.B.); (T.K.); (S.M.); (P.P.); (E.I.-E.)
| | - Skye Marshall
- Department of Science, Nutrition Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia; (M.B.); (T.K.); (S.M.); (P.P.); (E.I.-E.)
- Bond University Nutrition & Dietetics Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4226, Australia
| | - Peter Petocz
- Department of Science, Nutrition Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia; (M.B.); (T.K.); (S.M.); (P.P.); (E.I.-E.)
| | - Elif Inan-Eroglu
- Department of Science, Nutrition Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia; (M.B.); (T.K.); (S.M.); (P.P.); (E.I.-E.)
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Kylie Abbott
- Nutrition Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia;
| | - Tim Cassettari
- Department of Translational Science, Nutrition Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia; (C.S.S.); (T.C.)
| | - Ajmol Ali
- School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, College of Health, Massey University, North Shore City, Auckland 0745, New Zealand; (A.A.); (C.W.); (R.K.)
| | - Carol Wham
- School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, College of Health, Massey University, North Shore City, Auckland 0745, New Zealand; (A.A.); (C.W.); (R.K.)
| | - Rozanne Kruger
- School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, College of Health, Massey University, North Shore City, Auckland 0745, New Zealand; (A.A.); (C.W.); (R.K.)
| | - Geoff Kira
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Massey University, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand;
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Kidd B, Mackay S, Vandevijvere S, Swinburn B. Cost and greenhouse gas emissions of current, healthy, flexitarian and vegan diets in Aotearoa (New Zealand). BMJ Nutr Prev Health 2021; 4:275-284. [PMID: 34308136 PMCID: PMC8258060 DOI: 10.1136/bmjnph-2021-000262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To compare the costs and climate impact (greenhouse gas emissions) associated with current and healthy diets and two healthy and environmentally friendly dietary patterns: flexitarian and vegan. Design Modelling study Setting Aotearoa (New Zealand). Main outcome measures The distribution of the cost and climate impact (kgCO2e/kg of food per fortnight) of 2 weekly current, healthy, vegan and flexitarian household diets was modelled using a list of commonly consumed foods, a set of quantity/serves constraints for each, and constraints for food group and nutrient intakes based on dietary guidelines (Eating and Activity Guidelines for healthy diets and EAT-Lancet reference diet for vegan and flexitarian diets) or nutrition survey data (current diets). Results The iterative creation of 210–237 household dietary intakes for each dietary scenario was achieved using computer software adapted for the purpose (DIETCOST). There were stepwise differences between diet scenarios (p<0.001) with the current diet having the lowest mean cost in New Zealand Dollars (NZ$584 (95% CI NZ$580 to NZ$588)) per fortnight for a family of four) but highest mean climate impact (597 kgCO2e (95% CI 590 to 604 kgCO2e)), followed by the healthy diet (NZ$637 (95% CI NZ$632 to NZ$642), 452 kgCO2e (95% CI 446 to 458 kgCO2e)), the flexitarian diet (NZ$728 (95% CI NZ$723 to NZ$734), 263 kgCO2e (95% CI 261 to 265 kgCO2e)) and the vegan diet, which had the highest mean cost and lowest mean climate impact (NZ$789, (95% CI NZ$784 to NZ$794), 203 kgCO2e (95% CI 201 to 204 kgCO2e)). There was a negative relationship between cost and climate impact across diets and a positive relationship within diets. Conclusions Moving from current diets towards sustainable healthy diets (SHDs) will reduce climate impact but generally at a higher cost to households. The results reflect trade-offs, with the larger constraints placed on diets, the greater cost and factors such as nutritional adequacy, variety, cost and low-emissions foods being considered. Further monitoring and policies are needed to support population transitions that are country specific from current diets to SHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Kidd
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sally Mackay
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Stefanie Vandevijvere
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Boyd Swinburn
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Blumfield M, Starck C, Keighley T, Petocz P, Roesler A, Abbott K, Cassettari T, Marshall S, Fayet-Moore F. Diet and Economic Modelling to Improve the Quality and Affordability of the Australian Diet for Low and Medium Socioeconomic Households. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:5771. [PMID: 34072176 PMCID: PMC8198747 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Food costs are a barrier to healthier diet selections, particularly for low socioeconomic households who regularly choose processed foods containing refined grains, added sugars, and added fats. In this study, the objectives were to: (i) identify the nutrient density-to-cost ratio of Australian foods; (ii) model the impact of substituting foods with lower nutrient density-to-cost ratio with those with the highest nutrient density-to-cost ratio for diet quality and affordability in low and medium socioeconomic households; and (iii) evaluate food processing levels. Foods were categorized, coded for processing level, analysed for nutrient density and cost, and ranked by nutrient density-to-cost ratio. The top quartile of nutrient dense, low-cost foods included 54% unprocessed (vegetables and reduced fat dairy), 33% ultra-processed (fortified wholegrain bread and breakfast cereals <20 g sugars/100 g), and 13% processed (fruit juice and canned legumes). Using substitution modelling, diet quality improved by 52% for adults and 71% for children across all households, while diet affordability improved by 25% and 27% for low and medium socioeconomic households, respectively. The results indicate that the quality and affordability of the Australian diet can be improved when nutritious, low-cost foods are selected. Processing levels in the healthier modelled diets suggest that some ultra-processed foods may provide a beneficial source of nutrition when consumed within national food group recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Blumfield
- Department of Science, Nutrition Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia; (M.B.); (T.K.); (P.P.); (A.R.); (S.M.)
| | - Carlene Starck
- Department of Translational Science, Nutrition Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia; (C.S.); (T.C.)
- Riddet Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand
| | - Tim Keighley
- Department of Science, Nutrition Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia; (M.B.); (T.K.); (P.P.); (A.R.); (S.M.)
| | - Peter Petocz
- Department of Science, Nutrition Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia; (M.B.); (T.K.); (P.P.); (A.R.); (S.M.)
| | - Anna Roesler
- Department of Science, Nutrition Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia; (M.B.); (T.K.); (P.P.); (A.R.); (S.M.)
| | - Kylie Abbott
- Nutrition Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia;
| | - Tim Cassettari
- Department of Translational Science, Nutrition Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia; (C.S.); (T.C.)
| | - Skye Marshall
- Department of Science, Nutrition Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia; (M.B.); (T.K.); (P.P.); (A.R.); (S.M.)
- Bond University Nutrition and Dietetics Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4226, Australia
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Morar M, Vandevijvere S, Swinburn B. The potential impact of an implemented income redistribution package on obesity prevalence in New Zealand. Soc Sci Med 2020; 268:113483. [PMID: 33243526 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study quantified associations between (absolute and relative) individual income and obesity prevalence. These associations were then used to model the potential effect of a New Zealand (NZ) Government's income redistributive policy (the Families Package) on adult obesity prevalence. METHODS Logistic regressions were used to investigate associations between absolute individual income and adult obesity prevalence in NZ. Linear regressions were used to assess associations between relative income (income inequality measured by Gini) and obesity prevalence (from the NCD-RisC) for OECD countries. Potential impact fractions were calculated to determine how income redistribution might affect obesity prevalence. FINDINGS Absolute individual disposable income was significantly associated with obesity in NZ females (but not males) in a shallow, inverted J-shaped fashion. Income inequality was significantly positively associated with obesity prevalence in NZ females but not in males. The Families Package had a modest effect on income distribution and reduced Gini in NZ by 1.43%. Female obesity prevalence in NZ was modelled to decrease by 0.12 percentage points and 0.98 percentage points due to changes to absolute income and income inequality, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Despite being the most substantial income tax package in New Zealand since the 1990s, this policy had a modest effect on income redistribution, and its expected impact on reducing obesity in females was also modest, with no effect in males. The J-shaped curve indicates that income redistribution could even increase obesity prevalence among low-income women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Morar
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Stefanie Vandevijvere
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Scientific Institute of Public Health (Sciensano), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Boyd Swinburn
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Global Obesity Centre, School of Health & Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
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Kenny TA, Little M, Lemieux T, Griffin PJ, Wesche SD, Ota Y, Batal M, Chan HM, Lemire M. The Retail Food Sector and Indigenous Peoples in High-Income Countries: A Systematic Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17238818. [PMID: 33261090 PMCID: PMC7730644 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17238818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Indigenous Peoples in high-income countries experience higher burdens of food insecurity, obesity, and diet-related health conditions compared to national averages. The objective of this systematic scoping review is to synthesize information from the published literature on the methods/approaches, findings, and scope for research and interventions on the retail food sector servicing Indigenous Peoples in high-income countries. A structured literature search in two major international databases yielded 139 relevant peer-reviewed articles from nine countries. Most research was conducted in Oceania and North America, and in rural and remote regions. Several convergent issues were identified across global regions including limited grocery store availability/access, heightened exposure to unhealthy food environments, inadequate market food supplies (i.e., high prices, limited availability, and poor quality), and common underlying structural factors including socio-economic inequality and colonialism. A list of actions that can modify the nature and structure of retailing systems to enhance the availability, accessibility, and quality of healthful foods is identified. While continuing to (re)align research with community priorities, international collaboration may foster enhanced opportunities to strengthen the evidence base for policy and practice and contribute to the amelioration of diet quality and health at the population level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiff-Annie Kenny
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Quebec, QC G1E 6W2, Canada
- Correspondence: or
| | - Matthew Little
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada;
| | - Tad Lemieux
- Department of English Language and Literature, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada;
| | - P. Joshua Griffin
- School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; (P.J.G.); (Y.O.)
- Department of American Indian Studies, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sonia D. Wesche
- Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics, Faculty of Arts, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada;
| | - Yoshitaka Ota
- School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; (P.J.G.); (Y.O.)
- Nippon Foundation Ocean Nexus Center, EarthLab, University of Washington; Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Malek Batal
- Département de nutrition, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada;
- Centre de recherche en santé publique (CReSP), Montreal, Quebec, QC H3N 1X9, Canada
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 9A7, Canada;
| | - Melanie Lemire
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Quebec, QC G1E 6W2, Canada
- Institut de biologie intégrative et des systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
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Food cost and adherence to guidelines for healthy diets: evidence from Belgium. Eur J Clin Nutr 2020; 75:1142-1151. [PMID: 33239748 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-020-00815-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Evidence on whether healthy diets are more expensive than less healthy diets is mixed. The relative cost of meeting healthy diet guidelines in Belgium was estimated. SUBJECTS/METHODS Data from the nationally representative food consumption survey (FCS) 2014-2015 (n = 3146; 3-64 years) were used. Dietary data were collected through two non-consecutive 24-h recalls (records for children). Average prices for >2000 foods were retrieved from the 2014 GfK ConsumerScan panel and linked with foods consumed in the FCS. Daily costs of meeting nutritional guidelines were estimated across age and household education level groups. RESULTS Processed meat contributed most (9.8%-14.4% dependent on age group) to the daily cost of diets. Soft drinks contributed to the daily cost more while fruits and vegetables contributed less for lower versus higher educated households. Compared to individuals not meeting any nutrient recommendations (sodium, saturated fat, free sugar, fibre), the average cost/2000 kcal was significantly higher for individuals meeting one (0.36 ± 0.11€, p = 0.001), two (0.87 ± 0.14€, p < 0.001) or three or more (1.44 ± 0.24€, p < 0.001) recommendations. Similarly, compared to individuals not meeting any of the food-based recommendations (fruit, vegetables, wholegrain, nuts and seeds, red meat, processed meat), the average cost/2000 kcal was significantly higher for individuals meeting three or more (1.04 ± 0.27€; p < 0.001) recommendations. For adults, diets meeting guidelines for vegetables were 20% and for fruits 10% more expensive than diets not meeting those guidelines. CONCLUSIONS The cost of diets of Belgian people meeting healthy diet guidelines is greater than of those not meeting guidelines. Policies that make healthy diets more affordable are recommended.
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Seltenrich N. Diet Impacts on Climate and Health: New Zealand's Experience. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:94005. [PMID: 32970498 PMCID: PMC7513937 DOI: 10.1289/ehp6957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
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Streamlined data-gathering techniques to estimate the price and affordability of healthy and unhealthy diets under different pricing scenarios. Public Health Nutr 2020; 24:1-11. [PMID: 32662385 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980020001718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the reliability of streamlined data-gathering techniques for examining the price and affordability of a healthy (recommended) and unhealthy (current) diet. We additionally estimated the price and affordability of diets across socio-economic areas and quantified the influence of different pricing scenarios. DESIGN Following the Healthy Diets Australian Standardised Affordability and Pricing (ASAP) protocol, we compared a cross-sectional sample of food and beverage pricing data collected using online data and phone calls (lower-resource streamlined techniques) with data collected in-store from the same retailers. SETTING Food and beverage prices were collected from major supermarkets, fast food and alcohol retailers in eight conveniently sampled areas in Victoria, Australia (n 72 stores), stratified by area-level deprivation and remoteness. PARTICIPANTS This study did not involve human participants. RESULTS The biweekly price of a healthy diet was on average 21 % cheaper ($596) than an unhealthy diet ($721) for a four-person family using the streamlined techniques, which was comparable with estimates using in-store data (healthy: $594, unhealthy: $731). The diet price differential did not vary considerably across geographical areas (range: 18-23 %). Both diets were estimated to be unaffordable for families living on indicative low disposable household incomes and below the poverty line. The inclusion of generic brands notably reduced the prices of healthy and unhealthy diets (≥20 %), rendering both affordable against indicative low disposable household incomes. Inclusion of discounted prices marginally reduced diet prices (3 %). CONCLUSIONS Streamlined data-gathering techniques are a reliable method for regular, flexible and widespread monitoring of the price and affordability of population diets in areas where supermarkets have an online presence.
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Vandevijvere S, Mackay S, D'Souza E, Swinburn B. The first INFORMAS national food environments and policies survey in New Zealand: A blueprint country profile for measuring progress on creating healthy food environments. Obes Rev 2019; 20 Suppl 2:141-160. [PMID: 31483561 DOI: 10.1111/obr.12850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The International Network for Food and Obesity/NCDs Research, Monitoring and Action Support aims to benchmark national food environments. This study proposes a blueprint country profile to measure progress on creating healthy food environments, based on the results of the first, comprehensive survey in New Zealand (NZ). We assessed the implementation of national food environment policies and food industry commitments to improve population nutrition and the strength and comprehensiveness of public sector settings' nutrition policies. The healthiness of the packaged food supply, including health-related labelling, was evaluated. Food environments were measured in 833 schools, 204 supermarkets, 1500 takeaway outlets, 28 hospitals, 70 sport centres, and around all NZ schools. Food swamps, defined as areas with high relative density of unhealthy food outlets, were identified, and food marketing to children on television, websites, social media and packages, in magazines, and in and around schools was measured. The cost differential between healthy and current household diets was calculated for different population groups. NZ's food environment profile is largely unhealthy, and there are inequalities in access to healthy food environments. It is anticipated that the proposed country profile can help other countries tackle unhealthy food environments through increasing accountability of governments and the industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Vandevijvere
- School of Population Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sally Mackay
- School of Population Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Erica D'Souza
- School of Population Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Boyd Swinburn
- School of Population Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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