Public health advocate and nutritionist Marion Nestle tells readers ‘What to Eat Now’ – WBUR

Report on New Publication’s Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

A new publication by nutritionist and public health advocate Marion Nestle, titled “What to Eat Now: The Indispensable Guide to Good Food, How to Find It, and Why it Matters,” has been released. This work serves as a contemporary update to her 2006 book, “What to Eat.” The guide’s primary objective is to educate consumers on making optimal food choices, a mission that aligns directly with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Core Thematic Alignment with Global Goals

The publication’s focus on consumer education for improved nutrition and informed food sourcing is a critical component in achieving a sustainable future. By empowering individuals, the guide contributes to broader public health and environmental objectives outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Analysis of Specific SDG Contributions

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger: The guide directly addresses Target 2.2, which aims to end all forms of malnutrition. By providing clear guidance on selecting nutritious food, it equips consumers with the knowledge to improve their dietary intake and combat malnutrition.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: Promoting healthy eating choices is fundamental to achieving Target 3.4, which seeks to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases. The book acts as a preventative health tool, helping individuals make decisions that support long-term well-being.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The publication strongly supports the principles of SDG 12. Its emphasis on understanding where food comes from (“How to Find It”) and its broader impact (“Why it Matters”) encourages more sustainable consumption patterns. This aligns with Target 12.8, ensuring that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger

  The article discusses the work of a nutritionist, Marion Nestle, and her book focused on guiding people to make “good eating choices” and find “good food.” This directly relates to the nutritional aspects of SDG 2, which aims not just to end hunger but also to improve nutrition and end all forms of malnutrition.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article identifies the author as a “public health advocate.” The promotion of “good eating choices” is a fundamental component of public health and preventative medicine. A healthy diet is crucial for preventing a wide range of non-communicable diseases, which is a core objective of SDG 3.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 2.2: End all forms of malnutrition

  Under SDG 2, this target is the most relevant. The book’s purpose, as described in the article, is to provide a “guide to good food” and help people make “good eating choices.” This educational approach directly contributes to addressing malnutrition by improving dietary quality and nutritional awareness among the population.

• Target 3.4: Reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being

  Under SDG 3, this target is strongly connected. The author’s role as a “public health advocate” and the book’s focus on nutrition serve as a primary prevention strategy for diet-related non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers. Educating the public on “what to eat” is a direct effort to prevent these conditions and reduce premature mortality.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not explicitly mention any quantitative indicators. However, the concepts discussed imply certain types of measurements that would be used to track progress:

• Implied Indicators for Target 2.2:

  The focus on “good eating choices” implies a need to measure dietary quality. Progress could be measured by indicators such as the prevalence of healthy diets within a population or a reduction in the prevalence of malnutrition (including overweight and obesity), which are often linked to poor food choices.

• Implied Indicators for Target 3.4:

  The article’s connection to public health and disease prevention implies that progress would be measured by health outcomes. Relevant indicators would include a reduction in mortality rates attributed to diet-related non-communicable diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes) and a decrease in the prevalence of risk factors like high blood pressure or obesity.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wbur.org