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Topic 2: Diet and Health

5 dot points, in syllabus order. Each dot point has a focused answer, with exam-style questions and worked answers where available.

How do dietary guidelines and food models translate nutrition science into everyday food choices?

Describe the Australian Dietary Guidelines and food selection models and explain how they support a healthy, balanced diet

The Australian Dietary Guidelines and the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating turn nutrition science into practical advice, helping people choose balanced diets and reduce diet-related disease risk.

7 min read →

How do long-term dietary patterns increase or reduce the risk of diet-related disease?

Explain the links between diet and the major diet-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers

Long-term dietary patterns influence the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and some cancers. Understanding these links lets people modify diet to lower their risk.

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How does long-term diet contribute to and help prevent cardiovascular disease?

Explain the development of cardiovascular disease and the dietary factors that increase or reduce its risk

Cardiovascular disease develops as fatty plaques narrow arteries. Diets high in saturated fat, salt and energy raise the risk, while fibre, unsaturated fats and plenty of vegetables help lower it.

6 min read →

How are overweight, obesity and type 2 diabetes linked to diet and energy balance?

Explain the development of overweight, obesity and type 2 diabetes and the dietary and lifestyle factors involved

Obesity results from a long-term positive energy balance and raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, in which the body cannot control blood glucose properly. Diet, activity and energy balance are central to both.

6 min read →

How can food labels be read and interpreted to make informed dietary choices?

Interpret food labels, including the Nutrition Information Panel, ingredient lists, claims and the Health Star Rating, to evaluate food choices

Food labels carry the Nutrition Information Panel, ingredient list, claims and Health Star Rating. Reading them, especially the per 100 grams column, lets you compare products and make informed choices.

7 min read →