Az egészséges és az egészségesnek gondolt táplálkozás trendjei

Abstract

In the era of life-style diseases ever more emphasis is put on healthy diet, the different approaches of it and healthy diet promotion. The excessive energy intake and the inadequate nutrient composition lead to new epidemics; obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension deteriorate health of millions in the world and cause premature death. Researches have shown beneficial effects of several diets and food, but widespread acceptance of these come up against difficulties. Theoretical knowledge can only slowly get into the everyday practice, a so-called health paradox can be observed. People ever more speak about health and healthy diet, but ever less people really do something for it. Consumers are not willing to compromise, they want both healthy and tasty food. The overall perception, however, is that healthy food is not really tasty. Only the minority of the Hungarian population eat consciously, and follow a real healthy diet. The willingness largely depends on the financial status and the health literacy. The general health behaviour is also hampering the life-style changes. Consumers tend to select from the health information according to their existing health belief, which results in a distorted health perception. And the behavior change itself is a complex process that can be motivated by clear and consistent long-term communication. Healthy diet promoters are far down on the road, according to the current Hungarian perception healthy food is free from any artificial additives, the focus is rather on that than on the nutrient content of food.