1. Health Promotion Benefits of Nutritional Labelling and Nursing Care to Prevent and Reduce Obesity
- Author
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Boykin-Smith, Anne
- Abstract
Obesity is a global health challenge, with 39% of the adult population considered overweight and 13% considered obese as measured in 2016 (World Health Organization (WHO), 2018). The obesity rate in Bermuda was 34.4% in 2014. It is associated with many comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 Diabetes mellitus, musculoskeletal disorders and cancer (Bernews, 2017). In the United States, recent efforts have been made to provide the public with clearer information (kilocalories, portion size, salt, sugar and fat content) of the nutritional qualities of fast food and in restaurants. Bermuda residents are lacking nutritional information on locally produced foods and in restaurants and thus are unable to make informed food choices. The addition of nutritional labelling and caloric details to locally-produced bakery foods and on restaurant menus (including take-away food) could be beneficial. Consequentially, there are potential opportunities for Health Promotion by healthcare professionals. Nursing diagnoses may provide patient-centred guidance for positive changes in food choices and nutrition that reduce the risk of obesity.
- Published
- 2020