What is the purpose of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020?

Updated every five years, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 served as the federal government's primary source for evidence-based nutritional recommendations. Its core purpose was to guide policymakers, health professionals, and the public toward making healthier diet-related choices that promote health and prevent chronic disease.

Quick Summary

The DGA 2015-2020 provided evidence-based recommendations to help Americans achieve a healthy, nutritionally adequate diet and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Key Points

• Evidence-Based Guidance: The DGA 2015-2020 provided nutrition recommendations based on a rigorous review of scientific evidence.

• Policy and Education Standard: The guidelines serve as the basis for federal nutrition policies, programs like school lunches and WIC, and public education efforts.

• Promotes Healthy Eating Patterns: Instead of focusing on single nutrients, the DGA emphasized healthy eating patterns across the entire lifespan.

• Targeted Nutrient Limitations: Specific recommendations were made to limit added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium to combat chronic disease risk.

• Encourages Better Choices: The DGA promoted shifting from less healthy to more nutrient-dense food and beverage options.

• Broad Audience Application: The recommendations were intended for a wide audience, including policymakers, health professionals, and the general public aged 2 and older.

The Core Mandate of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020

The 2015-2020 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) was a document published jointly by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Mandated by Congress to be reviewed and updated at least every five years, the DGA's primary purpose is to be the cornerstone of federal nutrition policy and education. It provides a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for Americans aged 2 years and older.

These guidelines are intended for the general healthy population and those at increased risk of chronic disease. They translate complex nutritional science into practical, food-based recommendations. This overarching purpose is supported by several specific goals, focusing on fostering healthy eating patterns across the lifespan and limiting key dietary components linked to poor health outcomes.

The Five Overarching Guidelines

To achieve its purpose, the 2015-2020 DGA established five overarching guidelines:

1. Follow a healthy eating pattern across the lifespan: Emphasizes that dietary choices are cumulative and apply to all life stages from childhood through adulthood.
2. Focus on variety, nutrient density, and amount: Encourages consuming nutrient-dense foods from all food groups while balancing calories.
3. Limit calories from added sugars and saturated fats, and reduce sodium intake: Targeted these components for reduction with specific quantitative limits.
4. Shift to healthier food and beverage choices: Promotes small, manageable changes like choosing whole grains or fat-free dairy.
5. Support healthy eating patterns for all: Calls for collective action from community, school, and workplace environments to make healthy choices accessible.

Impact on Federal Nutrition Programs and Public Policy

The DGA's recommendations form the scientific basis for federal programs and policies, ensuring consistency in nutritional messaging. These guidelines influence various federal nutrition programs and educational materials.

Comparison of DGA Recommendations vs. Average American Intake

During 2015-2020, differences existed between DGA recommendations and average American dietary patterns. Generally, Americans often exceeded recommended limits for added sugars and saturated fats, and sodium intake was typically higher than recommended. Fruit and vegetable consumption was generally below recommended levels.

Conclusion: Promoting Health through Informed Choices

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 provided a scientifically robust foundation for promoting public health and preventing diet-related chronic diseases. It served as a guide for federal policy and a resource for professionals and the public. While compliance remains a challenge, the guidelines provide a crucial, evidence-based roadmap for achieving a healthier population. For more information, you can visit the official site at dietaryguidelines.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the primary audience for the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines?

The DGA was designed for a professional audience, including policymakers, healthcare providers, and nutrition educators. They use the guidelines to help the general public follow a healthy, disease-preventing diet.

How often are the Dietary Guidelines for Americans updated?

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are mandated by Congress to be reviewed and updated at least every five years by the USDA and HHS.

What were the key quantitative recommendations of the 2015-2020 DGA?

The key quantitative limits included consuming less than 10% of daily calories from added sugars, less than 10% from saturated fats, and less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day.

Did the 2015-2020 guidelines apply to all age groups?

The 2015-2020 guidelines applied to Americans aged 2 years and older. The inclusion of dietary recommendations for infants, toddlers, pregnant, and lactating women first occurred in the 2020-2025 edition.

How do the DGA impact federal nutrition programs?

The DGA serve as the basis for numerous federal nutrition programs, setting standards for meals and food packages in initiatives like the National School Lunch Program and the WIC program.

Did the 2015-2020 DGA address environmental sustainability?

No, the 2015-2020 DGA did not formally address environmental sustainability, though the topic has been raised in discussions surrounding guideline development.

What is the difference between the DGA and MyPlate?

The DGA is the comprehensive federal policy document containing all nutritional recommendations. MyPlate is a simplified food icon and consumer education tool created by the USDA to help Americans visualize and apply the DGA's concepts.