Santé publique France presents new recommendations on diet, physical activity, and sedentary behavior

cp-reco-nutritionnelles-220119.pdf

Published on 22 January 2019

Today, Santé publique France is presenting new recommendations on diet, physical activity, and sedentary behavior for adults. These simple, practical, and accessible recommendations aim to help the public make the best dietary choices and adopt a more active lifestyle. Based on a scientific approach, they offer two levels of guidance: simplified and detailed. Among the new features are the emphasis placed on certain foods such as legumes, nuts, and whole-grain starchy foods; consideration of the impact of diet on the environment; and the promotion of the simplified Nutri-Score nutritional labeling system. These new messages will be the focus of a communication campaign in 2019, to ensure that the entire population can benefit from them.

New recommendations based on scientific evidence

Since the creation of the first "nutritional guidelines" in 2001, knowledge about diet and physical activity has evolved. Following recent advice from the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) and the High Council for Public Health, Santé publique France was tasked with formulating new recommendations for the adult population. To this end, the Agency drew on a committee bringing together specialized expertise in epidemiology, prevention and health promotion, information, communication, and health literacy, as well as professionals working directly with the public on a daily basis. Various quantitative and qualitative studies, conducted among the general public and professionals, enabled the recommendations to be refined throughout their development.

Increase, reduce, and move toward certain consumption habits and lifestyles

The new recommendations combine simplicity for the general public with precision for those who wish to go further. Thus, the recommendations are divided into three groups: Increase, Move Toward, and Reduce. "We wanted to provide broad guidelines rather than quantified targets. These formulations are perceived as less restrictive by the general public. They encourage gradual change, adapting to each person’s pace," explains Anne-Juliette Serry, head of the Food and Physical Activity Unit at Santé publique France.

Key changes in the 2019 recommendations

Unsalted nuts are now included in the recommendations, given their nutritional value, as are legumes and whole-grain products. To reflect consumer habits, it also seemed essential to incorporate the Nutri-Score, developed in 2017 by public authorities, which can help with choosing processed foods. For the first time, the recommendations address environmental concerns, advising people to opt for seasonal fruits and vegetables, foods from local producers, and, if possible, organic foods.

Finally, the recommendations encourage people to engage in more physical activity, but also to reduce the amount of time spent sitting during the day. Indeed, an individual can be both active—that is, engaging in sports or physical activities as recommended—and highly sedentary—that is, spending a lot of time sitting, often for prolonged periods, in their daily life.