How Functionality Helps Address the Health Initiative

摘要

If only people would eat less and exercise more. Politically speaking that sounds good. And from a health standpoint, taking such an approach certainly wouldn't add to the increasing obesity problem. However, realistically, I have serious doubts that it's the sole answer to a very complex problem that not only our nation faces, but much of the already developed world as well. Solutions to the problem of obesity and other weight-related health concerns such as diabetes and heart disease―if they are to be effective in the long run―have to take into serious consideration several important factors. To start with, one needs to examine (starting at a very early age, if possible) the genetic profile of the individual and, I feel, attempt to rectify the traditional lack of a subsequent health program based on specific individual needs and not guidelines (no matter how well meaning) that are designed for a general populace. A recent commentary, "The Challenge to Customize," in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, discussed how individualizing dietary recommendations and consuming specific foods to match an individual's specific health needs is within the realm of future nutrition practices. The role of the food industry, and especially ingredient suppliers, in creating and marketing products to meet the needs of various population segments will play an important role here.