A Diet for Healthy Weight: Why Reaching a Consensus Seems Difficult

• Main Authors: Moul Dey, Purna C. Kashyap
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-09-01
• Series: Nutrients
• Subjects: dietary guidelines; nutrition research; obesity
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/10/2997

Overweight and obesity are global health problems that contribute to the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. The World Health Organization recognizes obesity as a primarily diet-induced, preventable condition, yet losing weight or keeping weight loss permanent is a universal challenge. In the U.S., formal dietary guidelines have existed since 1980. Over the same time-period, the incidence of obesity has skyrocketed. Here, we present our perspective on why current dietary guidelines are not always supported by a robust body of scientific data and emphasize the critical need for accelerated nutrition research funding. A clear understanding of the interaction of dietary patterns with system-level biological changes in a precise, response-specific manner can help inform evidence-based nutrition education, policy, and practice.