A Critical Review on New Approaches for Chronic Disease Prevention in Brazil and Canada: From Wholistic Dietary Guidelines to Physical Activity Security

Abstract

In light of new evidence on the prevention of chronic diseases and the elevated rates of overweight and obesity in Brazil and Canada, this critical review aims to interpret and synthesize current aspects regarding dietary and physical activity initiatives in both countries and make future recommendations. The pioneering work presented in the last Brazilian dietary guidelines has been called a model that can be applied globally, given its conceptualization of healthy eating that translates easily to practical guidance. The new Canadian Food Guide has incorporated similar aspects, also putting the country as a leader in dietary guidance. With these new recommendations, citizens in both Brazil and Canada have access to impactful evidence-informed nutritional guidelines. Both documents propose eating patterns that focus not only on health benefits, such as chronic disease prevention, but also incorporate well-being concerning cultural, economic, sociodemographic, biological, and ecological dimensions. A similar approach is required for physical activity to allow individuals to have attainable health and life goals and thereby fully enjoy their lives, regardless of geographical location, health status, and socioeconomic condition, a concept recently described as physical activity security. The wholistic dietary guidelines from both countries represent a change in paradigm in public health. Likewise, national evidence-based policies are warranted to reduce disparities in physical activity, allowing healthier and more active lifestyles for everyone.

Prática de atividade física de adultos brasileiros: impactos da pandemia de covid-19

“…Apesar deste aspecto, há que se pensar nos entraves de uma condição financeira precária. Na comparação de marcadores para a avaliação do nível de prática de atividade física em países de diferentes potências econômicas, Schwartz et al (2021) concluíram que a renda baixa está associada à insegurança para a prática, tanto em países com alta renda, como o Canadá, quanto naqueles com baixa renda, exemplificado pelo Brasil. Os autores afirmam que no caso do Brasil, a falta de dinheiro é um grande entrave para os residentes do país, pois envolve questões como pobreza, trabalho e empenho político.…”

Development of the Brazilian Version of a Pan-Canadian Behavior Change Program and Its Health and Fitness Outcomes

“…In terms of diet, this component of the program was based mainly on the latest Brazilian dietary guidelines [ 57 ], which were a pioneer evidence-based food guide with a revolutionary and wholistic approach to informing healthy eating. These guidelines emphasize the importance of unprocessed over ultra-processed foods and address the context of eating rather than the usual focus on nutrients and food groups [ 20 , 58 , 59 ]. More details on the cultural adaptation of the intervention are presented in Table 3 .…”

“…However, while most people are aware of the numerous benefits of healthy and active lifestyles [ 16 , 17 ], many individuals do not engage in positive health behaviors [ 18 , 19 ]. Two possible reasons for this lack of engagement are that initiatives to tackle unhealthy behaviors might not be sufficiently appealing to some individuals, for example, for not considering personal preferences, and the fact that some individuals simply do not have access to opportunities aimed at health behavior change, mainly in LMICs [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”