
New report highlights importance of how we eat
Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman
Minister of Health
Minister for Sport and
Recreation
16th June 2017
Media Statement
Health Minister and Sport & Recreation Minister Jonathan
Coleman has welcomed the release of 'How We Eat', a report that
assesses evidence on eating behaviours and their influence on diet
and body size.
"We all know a healthy diet is important, but this report also
highlights how peoples' eating behaviours also make a significant
difference," says Dr Coleman.
"There have been a number of studies on eating behaviour but
this report brings together a wide body of evidence and, for the
first time, assesses what behaviours have the most impact."
'How We Eat' is designed to help health practitioners but can be
of benefit to anyone interested in healthy eating and living. It
will support the work being carried out under the Government's
Childhood Obesity Plan, especially the 'Big Change Starts Small'
campaign.
"Making a few simple changes to how we eat can add up to
significant benefits to our health," says Dr Coleman.
Key findings from the research which support healthy eating
habits include:
- Avoiding watching TV when eating - people tend to eat more in
front of a screen.
- The importance of adults providing a good example for children,
especially eating fruit and vegetables.
- Involving children in preparing meals and eating together as a
family.
- Eating a variety of foods and flavours when pregnant or
breastfeeding (including bitter vegetables like broccoli and
cauliflower) can help children accept vegetables in early
childhood.
The report is based on research commissioned by the Ministry of
Health and carried out by Auckland University researchers Sarah
Gerritsen and Associate Professor Clare Wall. It covers
breastfeeding, parental feeding practices, parenting style, adult
role modelling, responsive eating, mealtimes and food literacy.
'How we Eat' was presented at the Activity and Nutrition
Aotearoa Conference. It is available on the Ministry of Health
website here.
Media contact: Angela Kenealy 021 220 0129
Last updated:
June 16, 2017