Strategies for intervention: commentary and debate

Abstract

The typical American diet is top-heavy in comparison with the Food Guide Pyramid-high in added sugars and fats at the Pyramid's tip, and low in most other food components at the Pyramid's base, especially fruit and green leafy vegetables. Improving the healthfulness of the diet would therefore require not only a major reduction in the consumption of fats and sweets but also a sharp increase in the consumption of vegetables and fruit. This report discusses the potential effects on diet quality of three general dietary strategies for obesity prevention and treatment: (a) reducing the fat content of foods, (b) increasing nutrition knowledge and (c) manipulating food prices. It concludes that improving food choices may require a combination of strategies and interventions carefully targeted at changing specific behaviors among diverse population groups.