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Critics Say Nutrition Tool Is Flawed

Mike Mitka

JAMA. 2005;293:2581-2582.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

The food pyramid has received a makeover. But even as the curious flocked to the Web site to view the latest version of the US government’s venerable device for nutrition education, critics were questioning whether it will translate into better dietary choices for consumers.

In rolling out the new pyramid on April 19, Mike Johanns, secretary of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said the icon—now called "MyPyramid"—is part of an overall food guidance system emphasizing a more individualized approach to improve health by making modest changes in diet and incorporating regular physical activity into daily living (http://www.MyPyramid.gov).

The new food pyramid is intended to emphasize an individualized approach to improve health through modest changes in the diet and daily physical activity. (Photo credit: US Department of Agriculture)

The new icon features 6 colored panels to represent the need to include a wide variety of food . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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