Systemic policies toward a healthier and more responsible food system

Abstract

Since the 1980s, the number of obese people has increased steadily across the globe.1 Consequently, more patients have serious medical conditions2 3 such as cardiovascular diseases and type II diabetes. As a result, medical expenses increase dramatically. An important cause of obesity is unhealthy dietary habits, such as increased size of portions, eating away from home and the consumption of high-energy dense foods.4 Measures have been taken to change these dietary habits to a more responsible pattern, but with limited success.