Boston University nutrition professors are not happy with the new dietary guidelines released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. They argue that the updated pyramid style of presenting food recommendations is confusing, inaccurate, and doesn’t clearly communicate its message.
On January 7, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. introduced these guidelines for 2025-2030. This new pyramid graphic revives an old approach, moving away from the MyPlate model, which was previously favored for its simplicity in showing proper portion sizes for food groups.
The nutritional pyramid was discarded in 2011 due to its complexity. The latest guidelines flip the old model, suggesting people should eat less grain and consume more protein and fats.
Maura Walker, a nutrition assistant professor at BU, criticized the pyramid’s “aggressive” messaging. She believes it fails to serve the public well. Walker noted that the guidelines contain inaccuracies and inconsistencies that can erode trust in scientists and policymakers.
These guidelines play a crucial role, as they will influence what is served in public schools and federally funded meal programs. However, since Boston University is a private institution, it isn’t required to follow them. BU Dining Services, which designs its meals to meet diverse student needs, stated they will continue to partner with the Sargent Choice Nutrition Center for menu development.
The new guidelines align with RFK Jr.’s Eat Real Food campaign, which points out that America’s health issues are partly due to the Standard American Diet, characterized by highly processed foods. Yet, Walker highlighted a significant challenge: there is no scientific definition for what qualifies as “processed food,” making it hard for consumers and food programs to comply.
Joan Salge Blake, another clinical nutrition professor at BU, emphasized the importance of diet for long-term health. She noted that what we eat can significantly impact the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Despite the importance of these guidelines, many people have ignored them in the past and likely will continue to do so, Walker added.
Moreover, there’s confusion in the recommendations themselves. For instance, the guidelines suggest children under 11 should avoid added sugars. However, some whole grain products may still contain sugar, leading to potential miscommunication.
To improve compliance, clearer examples of how to follow the guidelines could be beneficial, Salge Blake suggested. She noted that providing practical steps could help people make the necessary dietary changes with confidence.
As these dietary recommendations evolve, public awareness and understanding will be key to fostering healthier habits across the nation. For more insights on nutrition and health, you can check out resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
