Successful strategies to influence national diets : the finnish experience
Uspešni programi spreminjanja prehranskih navad prebivalstva : finske izkušnje

english

2004

volume 43, issue 4

food   mölkky

Inštitut za varovanje zdravja RS
(Obvezni izvod spletne publikacije)

The article describes the global background and the historical development in Finland for action to influence diets for prevention of cardiovascular and other major chronic diseases. The work in Finland from the North Karelia Project to national action is described. The results show major changes in population diets and in blood cholesterol levels. This development has in 30 years been associated with a 82 % reduction in North Karelia and 75 % reduction in all Finland in the age adjusted annual mortality of coronary heart disease in working age male population. The article discusses the experiences and emphasizes comprehensive strategies to promote availability ofhealthier food choices, the role of good monitoring and the need for supportive public policy. The experience in Finland gives strong supportive evidence for the approaches of the WHO Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health.

30.01.2012