DRAFT Australian Dietary Guidelines - Eat For Health

Executive summary
Healthy weight is associated with reduced risk of chronic disease, including
cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Unhealthy weight refers
to being underweight, overweight or obese.
An optimum dietary pattern for adults to achieve and maintain healthy weight is
one in which nutrient requirements are met and total energy intake does not often
exceed total energy expenditure.
Physical activity is an important part of a healthy, active life.
The high and increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in Australia highlights
the need to provide guidance for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Small,
persistent excess energy intake will cause excess weight gain in people of any age.
Recent evidence highlights the importance of achieving an appropriate energy
intake, rather than targeting specific macronutrients (protein, fat or
carbohydrates). In general the quantities of foods outlined in the Australian Guide to
Healthy Eating should not be exceeded and consumption of energy-dense, nutrientpoor
discretionary foods and drinks should be limited.
Weight should be measured regularly in adults and the amount and/or quality of
food, drinks and physical activity adjusted accordingly. Children and adolescents
need sufficient nutritious foods to grow and develop normally and their growth
should be checked regularly to ensure appropriate development is occurring.
As most Australian adults are now of unhealthy weight, this chapter offers
population level advice on managing weight gain and reduction while discouraging
inappropriate food restriction, particularly among high risk groups.
This chapter provides information on the importance of quantity, as well as quality,
when choosing foods to achieve healthy weight, to promote health and wellbeing
and prevent chronic disease.
DRAFT Australian Dietary Guidelines- December 2011 103