New dietary guidelines to help Americans make better food choices and live healthier lives.

摘要

The sixth edition of Dietary Guidelines for Americans recently released by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) places stronger emphasis on reducing calorie consumption and increasing physical activity. This joint project of the Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture is the latest of the 5-year reviews required by federal law. It is the basis of federal food programs and nutrition education programs and supports the nutrition and physical fitness pillars of President Bush's HealthierUS Initiative.Eating a healthy balance of nutritious foods continues as a central point in the Dietary Guidelines, but balancing nutrients is not enough for health. Total calories also count especially as more Americans are gaining weight. Because almost two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese, and more than half get too little physical activity, the 2005 Dietary Guidelines place a stronger emphasis on calorie control and physical activity.The report identifies 41 key recommendations,of which 23 are for the general public and 18 for special populations.