Obesity: potatoes, pasta, and rice are not the problem

McNally raises the importance of dietary risk factors on health outcomes, including obesity.1 Unhealthy diets are the leading risk factor for chronic ill health, and I agree that this needs to be tackled at a community and policy level, with healthy food accessible to all.2I disagree, however, with the implication that carbohydrates are the problem. Not all carbohydrate-rich foods are created equal. Refined sugars, grains, and carbohydrate rich ultra-processed foods are best avoided. Some of the healthiest foods, however, are high in complex carbohydrates, including fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. Consumption of these foods has consistently been associated with better health outcomes, while having a significantly lower environmental impact.3The Eatwell guide remains evidence based, emphasising the consumption of a variety of plant based foods, prioritising plant sources of protein, and limiting red and processed meat. The trouble is that most people fail to meet these recommendations.4 Other countries’ guidelines…
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