6, 7 The food environment surrounding schools can impact children and adolescents as well. 6 Lower rates of obesity and diabetes were found in areas with increased access to healthy foods and a higher density of full-service restaurants and grocery stores. 6 Residents of neighborhoods with fewer fresh produce sources and plentiful fast-food restaurants and convenience stores were at a higher risk of obesity and diabetes. For example, a recent study assessed the link between food-related hardships like food insecurity (defined as the inability to acquire adequate food) on obesity. There is a relationship between the inability to access foods that support healthy dietary patterns and negative health outcomes. 3, 5 Having access to healthy, safe, and affordable food is crucial for an individual to achieve a healthy dietary pattern. 3 Consistent evidence demonstrates that a healthy dietary pattern is associated with beneficial outcomes for all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, overweight and obesity, type 2 diabetes, bone health, and certain types of cancer (breast and colorectal). 3Īccess to foods that support healthy dietary patterns supports health not only at that point in time but also across the lifespan and possibly for future generations. 3 A healthy dietary pattern is not a rigid prescription but rather a customizable framework of core elements tailored to personal, cultural, and traditional preferences. 3 The Dietary Guidelines also recommend limiting foods and beverages higher in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium, and limiting alcohol intake. The core elements of a healthy dietary pattern include consumption of vegetables of all types, fruits, grains (especially whole grains), low-fat or fat-free dairy, protein foods, and oils while also paying attention to portion size. 1, 2, 3, 4 According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025 (Dietary Guidelines), a healthy dietary pattern consists of nutrient-dense forms of foods and beverages across all food groups, in recommended amounts, and within calorie limits. Healthy dietary patterns can help lower the risk of chronic disease. A dietary pattern represents the totality of what individuals habitually eat and drink, and the parts of the pattern act synergistically to affect health.
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