Abstract

The demographic and nutritional transition in Chile has been reflected by a high and growing prevalence of obesity and chronic illnesses related to nutrition. In spite of the efforts made, it is not likely that the country will comply with the health objectives proposals for 2010 to reduce obesity and sedentary tendencies. As part of their functions the National Health Food and Nutrition Advisory Council has recently checked and defined the national priorities in this area. In the Council's opinion, the efforts should be oriented to strengthen the nutritional intervention strategy through the vital cycle, to improve the institutional capacity of the country as far as food is concerned, to review and modernized feeding programmes and to develop a strategic alliance with food producing companies, scientific societies, academic groups and consumers. These actions are directed to promote a wider and better offer of healthier food and to regulate publicity. In order to advance in these proposals we need a major investment from public and private resources oriented to promote healthier styles of living, with special emphasis on nutrition and physical activity