Relevance of Political Actions Aimed at Guaranteeing a Healthy and Sufficient Diet During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic in the context of Latin America

Abstract

Unhealthy eating patterns are the main behavioral risk factor related to mortality in Latin America and the Caribbean. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the implementation of political actions to promote a healthy diet and reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods is a priority, not only to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs), but also to reduce the clinical impairment of the persons who suffer them. The political actions that ensure the supply of unprocessed foods of high nutritional value to the markets in a periodic and timely manner and that allow the farmers to continue with their cultivation and harvest activities are a fundamental pillar to mitigate the effects of indirect health negatives derived from the pandemic. To face the growing challenge of obesity and NCDs associated with unhealthy eating patterns a comprehensive approach is required that includes the following actions: taxes on sugary beverages, restrictions on marketing and advertising of ultra-processed foods and beverages, front-of-package warning label, as well as policies to modify agricultural and food systems.