A Comparative Analysis of Graphic Models for Enhancing Nutrition Education

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a global health problem associated with many chronic diseases. Nutrition education tools, such as graphic nutrition models, play a key role in the promotion of healthy eating habits. The purpose of this study was to compare selected nutrition models in plate form-MyPlate (USA), Harvard Healthy Eating Plate, the Eatwell Guide (UK), Malaysian Healthy Plate, and Polish Healthy Eating Plate-in terms of their structure, content, and effectiveness in improving diet quality and combating obesity. Methods: A comparative analysis of the selected models was carried out, focusing on their design, informational content, and compliance with dietary guidelines. A literature review was conducted in the PubMed and Embase databases. Results: The compared nutrition models are structurally similar but differ in the presence of additional information on the graphics, among other things. MyPlate and Malaysian Healthy Plate, compared to the other models, appear poor and lack recommendations on fats, beverages, and physical activity. The Eatwell Guide is distinguished by the proportion of each product group. Research indicates that plate models improve diet quality, but awareness of them in the public remains low. The Polish Healthy Eating Plate, while detailed, has not been empirically evaluated. Conclusions: Plate models are promising tools for nutrition education, but their effectiveness depends on adaptation to local conditions and ongoing educational efforts. It is necessary to conduct research evaluating the familiarity and effectiveness of the Polish Healthy Eating Plate in order to optimize the form of the message.

Keywords: Healthy Eating Plate; MyPlate; eating habits; nutrition education; nutrition models; obesity; prevention.

Figure 1

MyPlate [15].

Figure 2

Harvard Healthy Eating Plate. Copyright© 2011, Harvard University. For more information about The Healthy Eating Plate, please see The Nutrition Source, Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, www.thenutritionsource.org; and Harvard Health Publications, www.health.harvard.edu (accessed on 27 March 2025) [16].

Figure 3

Malaysian Healthy Plate [17].

Figure 4

(a) Polish Healthy Eating Plate. (b) Healthy Eating Recommendations—3 Steps to Health! [9].

Figure 5

The Eatwell Guide [13].