scholarly journals A comparison of European countries FBDG in the light of their contribution to tackle diet-related health inequalities

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 346-353
Author(s):  
Elena Carrillo-Álvarez ◽  
Hilde Boeckx ◽  
Tess Penne ◽  
Imma Palma Linares ◽  
Berénice Storms ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Inequalities ◽  
Graphical Representation ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Health Priorities ◽  
Full Data ◽  
Target Groups ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Food Consumption Survey

Abstract Background The purpose of this article is to report on a comparative analysis of the official food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) that were applicable in 2015 in 25 EU Member States. We assess FBDG in relation to the main guidelines established by the FAO/WHO, the EURODIET project and the EFSA, with a particular focus on identifying strengths and limitations of current FBDG in Europe towards addressing diet-related health inequalities. Methods This is a review research, in which a mixed-methods sequenced procedure was utilized. In each EU country key informants, including sociologists, economists, dietitians and nutritionists were asked to provide data regarding: (i) current dietary guidelines and national health priorities, (ii) model of health promotion currently available, (iii) results of the latest food consumption survey. All documents were reviewed by the coordinating team. Full data were analysed by two nutritionists, using a tabulated sheet to organize and compare the results. Results While all countries have national FBDG, the level of detail and quality varies substantially with regard to: time of last update; availability of recommendations for specific target groups; specification of frequency and portion size; the graphical representation; recommended amounts and limits of foods consumed; and recommendations regarding physical activity. Conclusions European countries have great opportunities to improve FBDG to better serve Public Health policy through a more consistent foundation of how these guidelines are developed, the inclusion of different population subgroups as a target for recommendations and the implementation of monitoring systems.

scholarly journals The importance of addressing ageism in Swedish healthcare

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 113-115
Author(s):  
Katarina Sjögren Forss
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Health Inequalities ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Or Groups ◽  
Significant Class ◽  
Care For Older People

Ageism is discrimination against individuals or groups based on their age. In the Swedish healthcare context, the term is uncommon, despite the fact that older people are a significant class of users. One of every five individuals in Sweden is 65 years of age or older, and the proportion of older people in the population is rising. Therefore, ageism in healthcare warrants more awareness and focus. In three recent articles that we have published relating to nutritional, depression and continence care for older people, we found indications of ageism even though we did not aim to study it. There is a need to identify the manifestations of ageism and label them, and to become alert to both the visible and invisible expressions of ageism. This will help in the development of interventions and policies to eliminate ageism in healthcare. With health inequalities growing and seemingly becoming the norm rather than the exception in Sweden and other European countries, it has become imperative to address and eliminate health inequalities through a range of initiatives and mechanisms. Fighting ageism in different settings must be a part of this larger goal.

scholarly journals Flood risk governance arrangements in Europe

2015 ◽  
Vol 369 ◽  
pp. 195-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Matczak ◽  
J. Lewandowski ◽  
A. Choryński ◽  
M. Szwed ◽  
Z. W. Kundzewicz
Keyword(s):  
Flood Risk ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Risk Governance ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Risk Management Strategies ◽  
Risk Practices ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Governance Arrangements

Abstract. The STAR-FLOOD (Strengthening and Redesigning European Flood Risk Practices Towards Appropriate and Resilient Flood Risk Governance Arrangements) project, funded by the European Commission, investigates strategies for dealing with flood risk in six European countries: Belgium, the UK, France, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden and in 18 vulnerable urban regions in these countries. The project aims to describe, analyse, explain, and evaluate the main similarities and differences between the selected EU Member States in terms of development and performance of flood risk governance arrangements. It also discusses the scientific and societal importance of these similarities and differences. Attention is paid to identification and characterization of shifts in flood risk governance arrangements and in flood risk management strategies and to determination of triggering factors and restraining factors. An assessment of a change of resilience and appropriateness (legitimacy, effectiveness, efficiency) of flood risk governance arrangements in Poland is presented and comparison with other European countries is offered.

scholarly journals Consumer Understanding, Perception and Interpretation of Serving Size Information on Food Labels: A Scoping Review

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Klazine Van der Horst ◽  
Tamara Bucher ◽  
Kerith Duncanson ◽  
Beatrice Murawski ◽  
David Labbe
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Food Literacy ◽  
Size Information ◽  
Size Selection ◽  
Portion Sizes ◽  
Serving Sizes ◽  
Serving Size

The increase in packaged food and beverage portion sizes has been identified as a potential factor implicated in the rise of the prevalence of obesity. In this context, the objective of this systematic scoping review was to investigate how healthy adults perceive and interpret serving size information on food packages and how this influences product perception and consumption. Such knowledge is needed to improve food labelling understanding and guide consumers toward healthier portion size choices. A search of seven databases (2010 to April 2019) provided the records for title and abstract screening, with relevant articles assessed for eligibility in the full-text. Fourteen articles met the inclusion criteria, with relevant data extracted by one reviewer and checked for consistency by a second reviewer. Twelve studies were conducted in North America, where the government regulates serving size information. Several studies reported a poor understanding of serving size labelling. Indeed, consumers interpreted the labelled serving size as a recommended serving for dietary guidelines for healthy eating rather than a typical consumption unit, which is set by the manufacturer or regulated in some countries such as in the U.S. and Canada. Not all studies assessed consumption; however, larger labelled serving sizes resulted in larger self-selected portion sizes in three studies. However, another study performed on confectionary reported the opposite effect, with larger labelled serving sizes leading to reduced consumption. The limited number of included studies showed that labelled serving size affects portion size selection and consumption, and that any labelled serving size format changes may result in increased portion size selection, energy intake and thus contribute to the rise of the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Research to test cross-continentally labelled serving size format changes within experimental and natural settings (e.g., at home) are needed. In addition, tailored, comprehensive and serving-size-specific food literacy initiatives need to be evaluated to provide recommendations for effective serving size labelling. This is required to ensure the correct understanding of nutritional content, as well as informing food choices and consumption, for both core foods and discretionary foods.

scholarly journals Promoting Vegetable Intake in Preschool Children: Does Enhancing the Taste of Vegetables Influence the Portion Size Effect?

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 974-974
Author(s):  
Hanim Diktas ◽  
Kathleen Keller ◽  
Liane Roe ◽  
Christine Sanchez ◽  
Barbara Rolls
Keyword(s):  
Preschool Children ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
The Other ◽  
Childcare Centers ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
Funding Sources

Abstract Objectives To meet dietary guidelines, effective strategies are needed to encourage children to eat a greater proportion of their diet from vegetables. We tested whether serving a larger portion, enhancing the taste with small amounts of butter and salt, or combining these strategies would increase vegetable intake at a meal for preschool children. Methods Using a crossover design in childcare centers, we served lunch once a week for four weeks to 67 children aged 3–5 y (61% girls; 16% with overweight or obesity). The meal consisted of two familiar vegetables (broccoli and corn) along with fish sticks, rice, ketchup, applesauce, and milk. Across the four meals, we varied the portion of vegetables (60 or 120 g total weight) and served them either plain or enhanced (0.5% salt and 6.6% light butter by weight). The other items in the meal were not varied. All meals were consumed ad libitum and weighed to determine intake. At the end of the study, children rated their liking for the foods and parents completed questionnaires about their child's eating behavior. Results Doubling the portions of vegetables led to greater consumption of both broccoli and corn (P < 0.0001) and increased total vegetable intake by 68% (mean ± SEM 21 ± 3 g). Enhancing vegetables with butter and salt, however, did not influence their intake (P = 0.13) nor modify the effect of larger portions on their intake (P = 0.10). Serving more vegetables did not affect intake of the other meal components (P = 0.57), thus meal energy intake increased by 13 ± 5 kcal (5%; P = 0.02). Ratings indicated that children had similar liking for the plain and enhanced versions of both broccoli (P = 0.31) and corn (P = 0.97). Although 73% of children rated one or both plain vegetables as yummy or just okay, they ranked their preference for the other foods in the meal higher than for the vegetables (P < 0.0001). Children differed in their response to larger portions of vegetables: those with higher scores for food fussiness and parental pressure to eat had smaller increases in vegetable intake when portions were doubled (both P < 0.03). Conclusions Serving larger portions of vegetables at a meal was an effective strategy to promote vegetable intake in children. When familiar, well-liked vegetables were served, adding butter and salt was not necessary to increase vegetable consumption. Funding Sources National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

scholarly journals Progress Evaluation for Transnational Restaurant Chains to Reformulate Products and Standardize Portions to Meet Healthy Dietary Guidelines and Reduce Obesity and Non-Communicable Disease Risks, 2000–2018: A Scoping and Systematic Review to Inform Policy

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (15) ◽  
pp. 2732 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivica Kraak ◽  
Sofia Rincón-Gallardo Patiño ◽  
Deepthi Renukuntla ◽  
Eojina Kim
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Restaurant Industry ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Food And Beverage ◽  
Serving Sizes

Transnational restaurant chains sell food and beverage products in 75 to 139 countries worldwide linked to obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This study examined whether transnational restaurant chains reformulated products and standardized portions aligned with healthy dietary guidelines and criteria. Firstly, we describe the transnational restaurant industry structure and eating trends. Secondly, we summarize results from a scoping review of healthy dietary guidelines for restaurants. Thirdly, we describe a systematic review of five electronic databases (2000–2018) to identify studies on nutrient profile and portion size changes made by transnational restaurants over 18 years. We used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, identified 179 records, and included 50 studies conducted in 30 countries across six regions. The scoping review found a few expert-recommended targets for restaurants to improve offerings, but no internationally accepted standard for portions or serving sizes. The systematic review results showed no standardized assessment methods or metrics to evaluate transnational chain restaurants’ practices to improve menu offerings. There was wide variation within and across countries, regions, firms, and chains to reduce energy, saturated and trans fats, sodium, and standardized portions. These results may inform future research and encourage transnational chain restaurants to offer healthy product profiles and standardized portions to reduce obesity and NCD risks worldwide.

scholarly journals Analytical approaches to food-based dietary guidelines in the European setting

2001 ◽  
Vol 4 (2b) ◽  
pp. 667-672 ◽  
Author(s):  
KFAM Hulshof ◽  
LM Valsta ◽  
DC Welten ◽  
MRH Löwik
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Fibre ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Iron Intake ◽  
Nutrient Distribution ◽  
Discriminant Analyses ◽  
Analytical Approaches

AbstractObjective:To show the effects of statistical approaches of data analysis to be used in the development of Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDG).Setting:Databases from dietary surveys in 6 European countries.Results:Quantile analysis based on iron intake among adult women resulted in differences among European countries regarding (macro) nutrient intake and consumption of food groups. However, in all countries women in the highest quartile had a higher intake of energy and dietary fibre and a higher intake of most food groups. In developing FBDG adjustment of energy intake is recommended. Discriminant analyses showed that among Dutch women potatoes, red meat, sausages, offal, savoury snacks, eggs and total vegetables were found to be the most predictive for differences in iron intake. Relatively high correlations were observed for iron and dietary fibre and iron and (some) B-vitamins. Examples from cluster and factor analysis showed that this type of analysis considers the complexity of the dietary pattern and could also be a helpful instrument in the development of FBDG.Conclusions:The use of a nutrient distribution can be used as a minimum approach in developing FBDG. More advanced methods can also be used in addition to set priorities for FBDG and to analyse complete dietary patterns.

scholarly journals Revision of food-based dietary guidelines for Ireland, Phase 1: evaluation of Ireland's food guide

2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 518-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary AT Flynn ◽  
Clare M O'Brien ◽  
Gemma Faulkner ◽  
Cliona A Flynn ◽  
Magda Gajownik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Portion Size ◽  
Portion Sizes ◽  
Food Patterns ◽  
Total Fat ◽  
Gender Groups

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate Ireland's food-based dietary guidelines and highlight priorities for revision.DesignEvaluation with stakeholder input. Energy and nutrient intake goals most appropriate for Ireland were determined. Advice from Ireland's food guide was translated into 4 d food intake patterns representing age and gender groups from 5 to 51+ years. Nutritional content of the food patterns was compared with identified goals and appropriateness of food advice was noted. Feedback from stakeholders was obtained on portion size of foods within the Bread, Cereal and Potato group and of portion descriptors for meat and cereal foods.SettingGovernment agency/community.SubjectsGeneral population aged 5+ years, dietitians/nutritionists (n 44) and 1011 consumers.ResultsGoals were identified for energy, macronutrients, fibre, Fe, Ca and vitamin D. Goals not achieved by the food patterns included energy, total fat, saturated fat, fibre and vitamin D. Energy content of food portions within the Bread, Cereal and Potato group varied widely, yet advice indicated they were equivalent. Dietitians/nutritionists agreed with the majority of consumers surveyed (74 %, n 745) that larger portion sizes within the Bread, Cereal and Potato group were more meaningful. ‘Palm of hand’ as a descriptor for meat portions and a ‘200 ml disposable cup’ for quantifying cereal foods were preferred.ConclusionsRevision of the guidelines requires specific guidance on energy and vitamin D intakes, and comprehensive advice on how to reduce fat and saturated fat and increase fibre intakes. Advice should use portion descriptors favoured by consumers and enlarged portion sizes for breads, cereals and potatoes that are equivalent in terms of energy.

The East–West Health Divide in Europe: Growing and Shifting Eastwards

2010 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denny Vågerö
Keyword(s):  
Soviet Union ◽  
Health Inequalities ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Health Trends ◽  
The Soviet Union ◽  
European Health ◽  
Newborn Child ◽  
Dimension One ◽  
East West

Over a four-decade long period, a health gap has opened up between European countries, in particular along the East/West dimension. One could speak of a European health divide. The divide is growing larger and, at the same time, shifting eastwards, leaving countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova at an increasing health disadvantage. Health inequalities, or differences between social classes, within European countries also seem to have been growing for the last couple of decades. Those countries that were previously led by communist regimes today show larger health inequalities than do countries in Western Europe. The countries that were once part of the Soviet Union demonstrate the most alarming health trends, with large segments of the population actually experiencing falling life expectancies. Reducing global and European health inequalities so that the health chances of a newborn child are not dependent on which country and social class he or she is born in, is a truly formidable task, which implies an entirely new way of seeing human development.

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