Draft Australian Dietary Guidelines (PDF, 3MB) - Eat For Health

Executive summaryHealthy weight is associated with reduced risk of chronic disease, includingcardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Unhealthy weight refersto being underweight, overweight or obese.An optimum dietary pattern for adults to achieve and maintain healthy weight isone in which nutrient requirements are met and total energy intake does not oftenexceed 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 highlightsthe 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 energyintake, rather than targeting specific macronutrients (protein, fat orcarbohydrates). In general the quantities of foods outlined in the Australian Guide toHealthy Eating should not be exceeded and consumption of energy-dense, nutrientpoordiscretionary foods and drinks should be limited.Weight should be measured regularly in adults and the amount and/or quality offood, drinks and physical activity adjusted accordingly. Children and adolescentsneed sufficient nutritious foods to grow and develop normally and their growthshould be checked regularly to ensure appropriate development is occurring.As most Australian adults are now of unhealthy weight, this chapter offerspopulation level advice on managing weight gain and reduction while discouraginginappropriate 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 wellbeingand prevent chronic disease.DRAFT Australian Dietary Guidelines- December 2011 103