In its sixth edition, guidelines suggest that Americans should reduce caloric intake and increase physical activity.

By Laura Suarez, Associate Editor

The guidelines, authored by the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, suggest an eating pattern for the general public that promotes health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Initiatives – choosing a nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy weight, achieving adequate exercise and keeping foods free from food borne illnesses – may help the over 90 million Americans who have a chronic disease and questionable quality of life.

Poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle, contributing to the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and hypertension, are among the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Evidence suggests that a diet complying with USDA guidelines reduces a person’s risk of CVD. Individuals aged ≥45 years whose diet patterns followed the USDA guidelines had a lower risk of mortality versus those whose diets did not.¹

IMPORTANT EVERY DAY

“The more we learn about nutrition and exercise, the more we recognize their importance in everyday life,” wrote Tommy G. Thompson, HHS secretary, in the guidelines. “Americans of all ages may reduce their risk of chronic disease by adopting a nutritious diet and engaging in regular physical activity.”

First published in 1980, USDA guidelines were addressed to the general public. Although still intended for use in the general public, this year’s guidelines are more technical and are addressed to policy makers, nutrition educators, nutritionalists and health care providers. Persons in these positions should disseminate information to the general public through educational materials, nutrition-related programs and authoritative statements, the guidelines suggest.

A set of consumer key recommendations, which are broken down into nine interrelated focuses, should be “implemented in their entirety,” authors wrote.¹ The categories are: adequate nutrients within caloric needs; weight management; physical activity; food groups to encourage; fats; carbohydrates; sodium and potassium; alcoholic beverages; and food safety (Table 1). These guidelines are intended for every day use in individuals aged >2 years; they should not be used as weight-loss plans.

DIETARY MODELS

Consumers should get the majority of their nutrients from food. Use of the Food Guide Pyramid, USDA’s food guidance system (Figure 1), or the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Eating Plan is suggested. These are models of a 2,000-calorie diet that comply with USDA guidelines. It should be noted, however, that daily caloric needs vary by individual.

The Food Guide Pyramid is currently being reviewed, and a new model will be released this spring. Major changes include the graphic presentation and USDA’s suggested food intake patterns.²

Guidelines also include physical activity recommendations. Physical fitness decreases the risk of chronic disease, and therefore sedentary individuals are at increased risk.¹ Authors recommend that, preferably every day of the week, adults participate in ≥30 minutes of moderately intense activity. “Regular physical activity is also a key factor in achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight for adults and children,” they wrote. Table 2 references the amount of calories expended during various common physical activities. An additional 30 minutes/day of physical activity may be necessary to further reduce the risk of chronic disease or unhealthy weight gain, and between 60 and 90 minutes of physical activity/day may be necessary to sustain weight loss in previously overweight or obese people.

A full set of the USDA guidelines can be downloaded at www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines. 

1. US Department of Health and Human Services and US Department of Agriculture. Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005. 6th Edition, Washington DC: US Government Printing Office. January 2005.
2. Improving the Nutrition and Well-Being of Americans. Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion Web site. Available at: http://www.usda.gov/cnpp/pyramid-update/index.html. Accessed January 28, 2005.

Figure 1.   The Food Guide Pyramid is the food guidance system suggested by the USDA.