Chapter 7: Promoting healthy eating

Question 1

Why is it important for the government to be actively involved in improving the health status of Australians?

Answer 1

Because they hold the control and responsibility to educate, ensure information is provided to consumers, research health issues, collect data and form strategies to improve the health of Australians.

Question 2

Describe what a nutrition survey refers to, and give an example of one that is used in Australia, explaining what the results of the survey can be used for.

Answer 2

Nutrition surveys are used to monitor and access food consumption and related behaviour within the Australian population. An example of a nutrition survey is the National Children’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey and results can be used for improving public policy development.

Question 3

Give two examples of government initiatives that address health issues for the Australian population. Provide a short summary of the aims of each.

Answer 3

Examples of government initiatives that address health issues are the Australian guide to Healthy Eating and the Australian Dietary Guidelines. The AGHE visually represents the proportion of the five food groups recommended to consume for a long and healthy life. The ADG provides advice to the general population about healthy food choices, so that everyday eating puts them at minimal risk of developing diet-related diseases such as diabetes, CVD, overweight and obesity.

Question 4

Explain the role of government and non-government agencies in promoting healthy eating.

Answer 4

Government agencies hold the responsibility to educate and ensure accurate info is provided to Australians, as well as conduct research on how to improve our health. Non-government agencies hold no responsibilities, but appear to be more effective in improving health status due to being well aware of their populations health and needs.

Question 5

What is the aim of the ADG?

Answer 5

To promote benefits of healthy eating to reduce the risk of diet-related disease and to improve the community’s health and wellbeing.

Question 6

Describe the AGHE.

Answer 6

Government initiative that provides consumers with info pertaining to the amounts and types of food that need to be eaten each day to remain healthy and live longer.

Question 7

Some items are included in the AGHE but aren’t represented in the main plate. Why is this the case?

Answer 7

Indicates that they aren’t required for a nutritional diet and to maintain a healthy diet, however they can be eaten in small amounts and less often.

Question 8

What are the Australian Dietary Guidelines?

Answer 8

Guideline 1: to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, be physically active and choose amounts of nutritious food and drinks to meet your energy needs.
Guideline 2: enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods from these five groups every day
- plenty of vegetables
- fruit
- grain (cereal) foods, breads, rice, pasta
- lean meats, poultry and fish
- dairy
Guideline 3: limit intake of foods containing saturated fat, added salt, added sugars and alcohol.
Guideline 4: encourage, support and promote breastfeeding
Guideline 5: care for your food, prepare and store it safely,