Food policies for physical and mental health

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) represent the predominant cause of early mortality globally, with projected costs exceeding US$30 trillion over the forthcoming two decades. Unhealthy dietary practices, significantly influenced by transformations in global food systems, are recognized as key contributors to prevalent NCDs such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. Recent findings further suggest that poor dietary habits are associated with an increased risk of mental health disorders, notably depression and dementia. This correlation underscores the potential to utilize existing and emerging strategies aimed at nutrition-related NCDs to mitigate the substantial global burden posed by mental health issues. Consequently, governments must implement significant policy measures to enhance food environments and improve public health outcomes.

Year: 2014

Reference: Jacka, F. N., Sacks, G., Berk, M., et al. (2014). Food policies for physical and mental health. BMC Psychiatry, 14, 132. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-14-132