From surveillance to development of nutritional guidelines

Abstract

In Italy, like in most parts of the world, 30% of children and almost 50% of adults are overweight. This condition is one of the causes of non-communicable diseases responsible for over two thirds of DALYs, deaths and costs for healthcare. Current surveys confirm that overweight and obesity are associated with food habits which have changed, in Italy, in the last fifty years. Fewer and fewer people have been following a Mediterranean diet, which is considered an effective diet for the prevention of many diseases. The consumption of fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole cereals, and EVO oil has decreased, while the consumption of food with high energetic density and rich in sugar, salt, and added fat has increased, especially when eating out. Schools and workplaces are the best places to promote healthy food habits and an active lifestyle. The aim is to involve families (including low-income families), educators, and catering services. This type of intervention is not new to the National Health System and has already led to improvements: however, it is still possible to improve the use of resources and coordination between social, educational, and health services bringing the community to become its own health promoter. Health operators have to be more aware of overweight as a health threat. The National Health Plan represents a commitment for Italy, the country hosting EXPO 2015, to fulfill the targets of the «Action Plan European Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases 2012-2016» entrusting the Departments of Prevention with the interventions and development of a network of stakeholders.