CMAJ • July 17, 2007; 177 (2). doi:10.1503/cmaj.1070058.
© 2007 Canadian Medical Association or its licensors
All editorial matter in CMAJ represents the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the Canadian Medical Association.
This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Submit a response
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Corby, L.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Corby, L., MSc
Related Collections
Right arrow Other nutrition & metabolism
Right arrow Canadian government

Letters

Eating well

Lynda Corby, MSc

Director of Public Affairs. Dietitians of Canada, Toronto, Ont.

The criticism levelled at Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide1in a recent CMAJ news piece2 does not take into account the evidence that underpins the recommendations in the guide nor the extensive consultation process that preceded its writing. In particular, the comment that the food guide is "obesogenic"2 is unwarranted.

The eating pattern recommended in the guide was developed using an extensive modelling process to ensure that it met nutrient standards and energy recommendations (dietary reference intakes) and was consistent with evidence linking food with the risk of developing certain chronic diseases. Health Canada consulted extensively with consumers, health professionals and food industry representatives and sought advice from 3 expert panels that included dietitians. It is noteworthy that feedback received from testing the guide with focus groups of consumers and health intermediaries (such as teachers, physicians, primary care nurses, home economists and fitness specialists who play a role in disseminating nutrition guidelines to consumers) did not support the inclusion of information about calories. Rather, the focus groups recommended strengthening the messages that provide practical advice on the types of foods to choose and those to limit and including messages on physical activity. The number of calories any one person needs can only be calculated after careful consideration, in consultation with a registered dietitian. Focusing on calorie counting alone can result in very unhealthy dietary practices.

Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide is a fundamental tool for health educators, but it cannot be expected to meet all educational needs. It is not designed to provide a weight-loss regimen; rather, it promotes a pattern of healthy eating and daily physical activity over a lifetime.

REFERENCES

  1. Eating well with Canada's food guide. Ottawa (ON): Health Canada; 2007. Available: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/index_e.html (accessed 2007 May 22).
  2. Andresen M. Mixed reviews for Canada's new food guide. CMAJ 2007;176(6):752-3.[Free Full Text]




This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Submit a response
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Corby, L.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Corby, L., MSc
Related Collections
Right arrow Other nutrition & metabolism
Right arrow Canadian government