The role of public policies in promoting healthy diets and preventing malnutrition

The rising incidence of nutrition-related health issues is a global concern. Malnutrition, encompassing both inadequate and excessive nutrition, affects individuals’ health and well-being and imposes economic costs on states. This chapter reviews national policies aimed at improving dietary behaviors to prevent malnutrition, with an emphasis on excess intake. It includes a historical overview of how healthy eating has become relevant to public health worldwide, focusing on the role of international organizations. Policies are mapped and classified, and detailed examples of implemented measures are provided. The effectiveness of these policies in changing eating behaviors and preventing malnutrition is discussed, highlighting methodological challenges and existing evidence.