Dietary Guidelines for Americans is a publication issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The goals of these guidelines are to help people maintain a healthy weight and to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The latest scientific research on diet and nutrition is used to develop the recommendations.

Revised every five years to reflect current scientific knowledge, the guidelines offer advice for healthy food choices and a healthy, active life for people over 2 years of age and for specific populations. They also encourage dietary habits that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The most recent version was released in 2005.

The guidelines are grouped into nine general topics and include 41 key recommendations. Of these, 23 are for the general public and 18 are for specific populations (e.g., children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, overweight adults, older adults). The latest revision has a stronger emphasis on calorie control and physical activity because almost two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese and more than half do not get enough physical activity. The general topics include:

• Adequate nutrients and calorie needs
• Weight management
• Physical activity
• Food groups to encourage
• Fats
• Carbohydrates
• Sodium and potassium
• Alcoholic beverages
• Food safety