Melissa A. Fernandez

Bio: Melissa A. Fernandez is an academic researcher from University of Alberta. The author has contributed to research in topics: Digital transformation & Canada's Food Guide. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 4 publications receiving 19 citations.

Insights on the Influence of Sugar Taxes on Obesity Prevention Efforts.

Abstract: This review will present the latest evidence on the impacts of sugar taxes on obesity with a focus on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB). Evidence of direct impacts of SSB taxation policies on obesity prevalence continues to be limited. Natural experiments involving SSB taxation policies implemented in Mexico and Berkley, CA, indicate that this type of intervention alters beverage consumption patterns. Naturalistic evidence in combination with modeling studies suggests that SSB taxation is a viable anti-obesity policy. However, researchers and public health practitioners need to be vigilant of industry tactics to curtail SSB lowering efforts. To maximize the impacts of SSB taxation, it should be combined with interventions that increase access to non-sweetened beverages, educate consumers about alternative healthy beverages, and explore taxation of other non-nutritive foods and beverages. Furthermore, both intended and unintended consequences of interventions should be closely monitored.

Translating "protein foods" from the new Canada's Food Guide to consumers: knowledge gaps and recommendations.

Abstract: The revised version of Canada's Food Guide, released in January 2019, issued new guidance by combining meat and alternatives with milk and alternatives into a single group called "protein foods" and emphasized selecting plant-based foods from this category more often. Though the changes represent a simple depiction of a healthy plate, the new Food Guide has opened knowledge gaps about protein foods and exposed new concerns about the interpretation and implementation of the Food Guide among vulnerable groups, particularly children and the elderly. To address key knowledge and research gaps, nutrition leaders need to reach a consensus on key messages to best inform the development of tools and resources to support practitioners in translating messages to consumers, including foodservice standards. Among consumers, families with young children are a primary target for these resources as they develop their life-long habits to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to select, prepare, and consume nutrient-rich protein foods. The new Food Guide provides an opportunity to address the existing knowledge gaps, develop tools and resources to support health professionals, and design interventions that will help Canadian families choose, prepare, and eat nutrient-rich protein foods. Novelty An updated Canadian regulatory framework is needed for protein labelling and content/health claims. There are knowledge gaps about protein foods consumption and food literacy needed to optimize nutritional health. Mandatory nutrition policies are needed to safeguard the provision of high-quality protein foods across institutions that serve children and older adults.

Digital Food Retail: Public Health Opportunities.

Abstract: For over two decades, digital food retail services have been emerging alongside advances in mobile technology and improved access to wi-fi. Digitalization has driven changes within the food environment, complicating an already complex system that influences food-related behaviors and eating practices. Digital food retail services support an infrastructure that enhances commercial food systems by extending access to and availability of highly processed foods, further escalating poor dietary intakes. However, digital food retail services are heterogeneous–food delivery apps, online groceries, and meal kits–and can be feasibly adapted to nutrition interventions and personalized to individual needs. Although sparse, new evidence indicates great potential for digital food retail services to address food insecurity in urban areas and to support healthy eating by making it easier to select, plan, and prepare meals. Digital food retail services are a product of the digital transformation that reflect consumers’ constant need for convenience, which must be addressed in future research and interventions. This paper will discuss public health opportunities that are emerging from the global uptake of digital food retail services, with a focus on online groceries, food delivery apps, and meal kits.

Meal planning as a strategy to support healthy eating

Abstract: Meal planning is cited in the latest version of Canada’s Dietary Guidelines as one of four important food skills that help individuals choose, purchase and prepare healthy snacks and foods on a regular basis for themselves and members of their household. While meal planning is often mentioned as a strategy to overcome the main barrier to healthy eating, lack of time, it may also assist individuals reduce stress related to mealtimes and increase frequency of family meals. Although, there is relatively sparse literature that meal planning confers benefits to the diet, there is a history of evidence indicating that it helps manage dietary restrictions related to specific diseases (e.g., diabetes), which can translate into helping the general public consume more fruits and vegetables, while consuming fewer processed foods. In 2013 Health Canada implemented a one-year communication campaign to promote meal planning to Canadian parents as a strategy to increase home-based food preparation and family meals. The campaign evaluation found that awareness was associated with greater odds of having more positive attitudes towards meal planning. However, more than half of parents also reported that lack of time was a major barrier for meal planning. Dietitians can recommend meal planning as a viable strategy to help the public and patients overcome barriers to healthy eating. However, they will likely also need to provide guidance through education and tools to overcome barriers related to meal planning.

Neuroendocrine and Metabolic Effects of Low-Calorie and Non-Calorie Sweeteners

Abstract: Since excessive sugar consumption has been related to the development of chronic metabolic diseases prevalent in the western world, the use of sweeteners has gradually increased worldwide over the last few years. Although low- and non-calorie sweeteners may represent a valuable tool to reduce calorie intake and prevent weight gain, studies investigating the safety and efficacy of these compounds in the short- and long-term period are scarce and controversial. Therefore, future studies will need to elucidate the potential beneficial and/or detrimental effects of different types of sweeteners on metabolic health (energy balance, appetite, body weight, cardiometabolic risk factors) in healthy subjects and patients with diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome. In this regard, the impact of different sweeteners on central nervous system, gut hormones and gut microbiota is important, given the strong implications that changes in such systems may have for human health. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the current evidence for the neuroendocrine and metabolic effects of sweeteners, as well as their impact on gut microbiota. Finally, we briefly discuss the advantages of the use of sweeteners in the context of very-low calorie ketogenic diets.