New Environmental-Related Approaches to Improved Eating Behavior and Nutrition across One's Life Course

J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2022;68(Supplement):S58-S60. doi: 10.3177/jnsv.68.S58.

Abstract

It is worthwhile to discuss new environmental-related approaches to eating behavior that are effective throughout one's life course for better nutrition. Salt-reduction programs for children may benefit from strategies that actively engage families and teachers, according to a school-based cluster randomized controlled trial (School-EduSalt) in China to reduce salt intake in children and their families. Considering young people's lifestyle, a population-based approach for healthy low-risk people is necessary; for example, the use of an educational song consisting of interesting sounds and lyrics as BGM may be effective. Self-monitoring of salt intake or salt concentrations in home seasoning by a versatile salinity meter may be another effective educational approach in reducing salt intake by raising the individual's awareness on their rate of salt intake. Further, shift workers have increased risk of diet-related chronic conditions due to their eating habits. Moreover, mental illnesses among workers require nutritional approaches because they may have effects on subsequent weight changes. Finally, studies for the eldery suggest the importance of a nutritional approach especially for males living alone to prevent or improve frailty. A three-month approach that included nutritional education for the elderly reduced frailty, and the effects persisted post-intervention. These results are quite encouraging for nutritionists in their efforts to create a vibrant society, despite its incredibly age.

Keywords: eating environment; lifestyls; nudge intervention; population-based approach.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Frailty* / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Life Change Events
  • Male
  • Nutritional Status
  • Sodium Chloride, Dietary* / adverse effects

Substances

  • Sodium Chloride, Dietary