Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans have been published jointly every 5 years since 1980 by the Department of health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The 2005 (sixth) edition of the Guidelines was released in January 2005. The Guidelines place stronger emphasis on reducing calorie consumption (to help Americans keep their weight within healthful limits) and increasing physical activity.

The report identifies 41 key recommendations; 23 are for the general public and 18 for special populations. The 9 general topics into which these recommendations are grouped, are:

• adequate nutrients within calorie needs
• weight management
• physical activity
• food groups to encourage
• fats
• carbohydrates
• sodium and potassium
• alcoholic beverages
• food safety.

Based on the latest scientific evidence, the current Guidelines provide information and advice for choosing a nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy weight, achieving adequate exercise, and avoiding foodborne illness. The report produced is intended to be a primary source of dietary health information for policymakers, nutrition educators, and health providers.

Web link:
http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/pdf/DGA2005.pdf