Strategies for changing dietary behaviour

Globally, diets are suboptimal for health amongst both adults and children. In Western societies in particular, there is an overconsumption of foods high in fat, salt and sugar, coupled with inadequate intakes of fibre, wholegrains, fruits and vegetables, and fish. Linked to poor-quality dietary intake, there has also been a significant increase in levels of obesity, with rates tripling in adults in the United Kingdom in the past 20 years. This has led to an increase in obesity-related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. There is consensus amongst experts that long-term, effective diet and lifestyle changes are needed to improve population health, alongside substantial changes to social and environmental drivers within the food system. Significant advances have been made in the field of behavioural science in the past decade, with greater shared understanding of the important strategies and techniques which can be used in the design of interventions to change dietary behaviour amongst adults.

Whilst this chapter predominantly highlights evidence-based strategies which can be implemented to effect positive dietary changes in adults on an individual level, it is not without acknowledgement of the pivotal role played by wider societal and environmental influences coupled with psychological and biological repsonses driving food intake. From policymakers and legislation to health professionals and healthcare services, and to the role of the individual, all components are of critical importance in order to bring about long-term positive dietary changes.