Nutrition

Did you know that food production is responsible for 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions?

Educate patients about the benefits of healthy diet on their health and any health conditions

Raise awareness of the health and environmental benefits of a balanced plant-based diet

Signpost patients on low incomes to support available such as food banks

Promote local initiatives including the ICB’s Your Healthy Kitchen campaign

Poor diet is a leading cause of death and disability in the UK through its contribution to obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. Almost two thirds of UK adults are considered overweight or obese, with diet-related ill health estimated to cost the UK £5.1 billion per year.

Food production is also responsible for 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 70% of freshwater use, with modern agricultural practices resulting in biodiversity loss.

The government has estimated that adhering to diets which are higher in fruit, vegetables, whole grains and plant-based proteins, as advised in the Eatwell Guide^, could result in a 7% reduction in mortality and 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Within primary care we can all play our part through encouraging healthy eating. We should also take the following action to benefit our patients:

Educate patients about the benefits of healthy diet on their health and any health conditions.
Raise awareness of the health and environmental benefits of a more plant-based diet.
Consider signposting to support available for patients on low incomes who may have more challenges accessing healthy food; for example; foodbanks, community kitchens and allotments.

Click here for nutrition resources

Information about plant-based diets, including sources of nutrients and patient information leaflets: https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/

EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet: https://eatforum.org/eat-lancet-commission/the-planetary-health-diet-and-you/

A resource to help health and care professionals prevent ill health and promote wellbeing as part of their everyday practice: Climate and health: applying All Our Health – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The EAT-Lancet Commission brief presents a global planetary health diet that is healthy for both people and planet: https://eatforum.org/lancet-commission/eatinghealthyandsustainable/

Use the Eatwell Guide to help get a balance of healthier and more sustainable food. It shows how much of what you eat overall should come from each food group: Eatwell guide 2016 FINAL MAR29 (publishing.service.gov.uk)