Charlotte (Lane) Coogan’s Post

Prof. Tim Spector, ZOE’s Co-founder, discusses how government ties to big food companies are hindering public health. The UK is facing a significant heart care crisis, with rising cardiovascular disease deaths highlighting a national health emergency. There’s an overwhelming amount of misleading nutritional advice circulating online, complicating public understanding of healthy eating. Doubts have arisen regarding the reliability of government nutritional guidelines due to reported conflicts of interest within the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), which has ties to major food corporations. There is increasing evidence linking ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to poor health outcomes, yet the SACN’s cautious stance on regulating these foods has been criticized as inadequate. The text advocates for urgent action against UPFs, including warning labels, marketing restrictions, and a reduction of UPF availability in public institutions. Prof Tim Spector encourages public support for organizations dedicated to promoting whole food diets and pushing back against the influence of Big Food in health policy.

Food is essential for our survival, but millions of people still go to sleep with empty stomachs. For children, failing to meet the nutrients and food necessary during the critical growth period will lead to stunting and wasting, affecting other key developmental milestones, including cognitive ones. On the other hand, unhealthy diets can lead to obesity and other health problems. In this light, reducing inequalities in food security and nutrition becomes a priority to improve people’s quality of life. Then, how can we tackle this systemic issue? Tap the link below to understand more about food-related crises and how to solve this issue. https://lnkd.in/g894E3Dv #GreenNetworkAsia #Sustainability #SustainableDevelopment #SDGs2030 #FoodInsecurity #FoodCrises #FoodInsecurityAwareness #EndFoodInsecurity #EndHunger

The Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Joint-Assessment is an annual multi-stakeholder consultation or validation workshop where diverse partners and stakeholders (Academia, Business, Civil Society, Development Partners, and Youth) contributing to improved nutrition come together to assess how they are collaborating to scale up nutrition actions along the strategic objectives of the SUN Movement and identify country priorities for the following year. One of the questions during the introduction of participants is, "If you could become a superhero, what would your superpower be?" After everyone answered the question, I was amazed by how everybody responded in a unique yet intelligent manner, all of which were connected to the workshop. As one of the secretariats of SUN-Philippines and a documenter during the discussions of the Development Partners (UNICEF, World Food Programme, and World Health Organization), this workshop has ignited my nutrition spirit to learn more and engage further. For more information, you may visit these links: 1. NNC Official page: https://lnkd.in/dkPpCDEM 2. SUN Philippine: https://lnkd.in/dkVNdQQ9 #ScalingUpNutritionMovement #SUNPhilippines

As we dive into transforming #foodsystems, it's crucial that our policies reach every corner of a country. Why? Because change works best when everyone's included. Check out how Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is making strides in this with real examples from two countries. https://lnkd.in/eEbz6kcP

🌱🍎 Empowering Communities Through Nutrition Awareness 🍏🌱 As we strive towards healthier, happier communities, it's crucial to shine a spotlight on the importance of proper nutrition. 🌟 Nutrition isn't just about what we eat; it's about fueling our bodies with the essential nutrients needed to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. Yet, access to nutritious food and understanding its impact on our health can vary widely across different communities. That's why I believe in the power of raising awareness about proper nutrition for all community members. When individuals have the knowledge and resources to make informed choices about their diet, they can experience numerous benefits, including: 🥦 Improved overall health and well-being 🧠 Enhanced cognitive function and mental clarity 💪 Strengthened immune systems and better resilience against illness ⚖️ Better management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity But awareness goes beyond just knowing what's healthy; it's about breaking down barriers and making nutritious options accessible to everyone. It's about teaching practical skills like meal planning, budgeting, and cooking to empower individuals to take control of their health journey. By fostering a culture of nutrition awareness within our communities, we can create ripple effects that extend far beyond individual health. We can reduce healthcare costs, boost productivity, and cultivate a happier, more vibrant society. So let's join hands and advocate for nutrition education initiatives, support local farmers markets and community gardens, and work towards policies that promote equitable access to healthy food options for all. Together, we can build healthier, stronger communities from the ground up. 💪🌱 #NutritionAwareness #HealthyCommunities #Empowerment #Wellness #CommunityHealth #NutritionEducation

Last month, the Nutrition CEO Council released a statement on the final fiscal year 2024 appropriations package. We were pleased to see the $5 million increase for nutrition in global health programs, but $165 million is vastly insufficient, especially when combined with even small cuts in Food for Peace and Feed the Future. As Congress begins to consider fiscal year 2025 appropriations, they should ensure these accounts are funded at a level that meets the moment. Signed by the CEOs of Bread for the World, RESULTS and RESULTS Educational Fund, Action Against Hunger | ACF-USA, Alliance to End Hunger, 1,000 Days, CARE, Helen Keller Intl, HarvestPlus, Micronutrient Forum, Global Communities, FHI 360, Save the Children US, Nutrition International, and Food for the Hungry, Inc. #globalnutrition #appropriations #FoodforPeace #FeedtheFuture

New research published in the journal Public Health Nutrition (December 22, 2024) This study examines public support—and its drivers—for comprehensive policy packages (i.e., bundles of coherent policy measures introduced together) aimed at improving food environments. Design: Participants completed an online survey with a choice-based conjoint experiment, where they evaluated pairs of policy packages comprising up to seven distinct food environment measures. After choosing a preferred package or opting for a single policy, participants designed their ideal policy package. Based on their choices, respondents were categorized as resistant, inclined, or supportive towards policy packaging according to their frequency of opting out for single measures and the number of policies they included in their ideal package. Setting: The study was conducted in Germany via an online survey. Participants: The sample included 1,200 eligible German voters, recruited based on age, gender, and income quotas. Results: Based on both opt-out frequency (44.7%) and ideal policy packaging (72.8%) outcomes, most respondents were inclined towards policy packages. The inclusion of fiscal incentives and school-based measures in packages enhanced support, while fiscal disincentives reduced it. Key drivers of support included beliefs about the importance of diet-related issues and the role of government in regulation, while socio-demographic factors, political leaning, and personal experience with diet-related disease had minimal impact. Conclusions: The results reveal public appetite for policy packages to address unhealthy food environments, contingent on package design and beliefs about the issue’s severity and legitimacy of intervention. Public health advocates should design and promote policy packages aligned with public preferences, especially given anticipated opposition from commercial interests. #foodenvironment #foodpolicy #nutritionpolicy #publichealthnutrition #publichealth #fiscalpolicy #commercialdeterminantsofhealth

Yesterday, in my Public Health Nutrition course taught by @Dr Manesh Meraleedharan Ph.D, We delved into the often-overlooked skill of calculating calories in everyday foods like chocolates and sugar-sweetened beverages. It’s surprising how even the well-informed among us tend to overlook the importance of understanding what we consume. Learning to decode nutritional labels isn’t just for health enthusiasts—it’s essential for everyone striving for a healthier lifestyle. As public health advocates, it's our duty to bridge this knowledge gap and empower communities to make informed choices. Nutrition literacy is a vital tool in the fight against diet-related diseases. Let's spread the word! #PublicHealth #NutritionEducation #HealthLiteracy