Please sign to improve the health of all Australians.

The dietary guidelines influence what we eat every day - the food in our shops, schools, homes, hospitals, sports centres, child care, aged care facilities, prisons, and armed services. 

Since the introduction of the dietary guidelines in 1982, Australia has experienced a catastrophic decline in the nation’s health. Over three-quarters (78.6%) of Australian adults suffer from at least one long-term health condition and almost half have one or more chronic conditions.

Australia has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world, with the majority of adults (67% in 2017/18) and one in four children being overweight or obese. 

We are asking for the guidelines to be updated, to reflect the latest evidence and to help to improve the health of Australians.



To the NHMRC Review Committee, 
We are a national group of health professionals interested in ensuring that the Australian Dietary Guideline (ADG) review considers the latest evidence around key nutritional topics that impact population health and the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCD’s) since the guidelines were introduced in 1982. 
 
We submit research and studies to be considered by the review, on the following key considerations: 
 
The Australian Dietary Guidelines have been created for ‘healthy Australians’ 
 
As per the government’s EATFORHEALTH website: - “The Australian dietary guidelines apply to all healthy Australians, as well as those with common health conditions such as being overweight. They do not apply to people who need special dietary advice for a medical condition, or to the frail elderly.” https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/guidelines/about-australian-dietary-guidelines
 
“The Australian dietary guidelines have information about the types and amounts of foods, food groups and dietary patterns that aim to:
promote health and wellbeing;
reduce the risk of diet-related conditions, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity; and
reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some types of cancers.
 
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics; - “Over three quarters (78.6%) of Australians had at least one long-term health condition in 2020-21”https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/health-conditions-prevalence/2020-21
 
According to Diabetes Australia; - “For every person diagnosed with diabetes there is usually a family member or carer who also ‘lives with diabetes’ every day in a support role. This means that an estimated 2.4 million Australians are affected by diabetes every day.” https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/diabetes-in-australia/
 
Given the escalating rates of chronic disease, overweight and obesity across Australia the updated ADG should provide evidence-based nutrition education, resources, and support for those living with lifestyle-related ill-health, and particularly for those living with type 2 diabetes.
 
Therapeutic carbohydrate restriction is an effective option for optimal metabolic health and in the management of chronic diseases, including for metabolic syndrome, obesity, fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, pre-diabetes and diabetes type 2. 
 
Ultra-processed foods are harmful to health, and should not form any part of food recommendations. 
 
Saturated fats from whole foods are part of a healthy diet. 
 
Consider evidence around the central issue of the health effects of differing food sources of these fats.
Re-consider evidence around margarine and seed oils for health
 
Sugar is non-essential, and should not be recommended
 
Highly refined carbohydrates food products should not be recommended
 
Adequate protein, including quality animal-based products, is an important dietary component for health
 
Finally, we emphasise the importance of a natural, whole-food approach to population health. 
 
Our evidence submission for consideration in the review process is linked to here. These documents are fully referenced. 
 
We trust that the expert committee will consider the wide range of evidence that questions several of the recommendations in the current Australian Dietary Guidelines. 

This evidence submission is prepared and signed by:

Dr James Muecke, Ophthalmologist, and Australian of the Year 2020
Dr Gary Fettke, Orthopedic Surgeon 
Belinda Fettke, researcher former Registered Nurse
Dr Liz Fraser, General Practitioner
Dr Rod Taylor
Dr Peter Brukner
Claire McDonnell, Nutritionist