Development of innovative tools for nutrition education: a promising strategy to tackle and prevent malnutrition and to reduce the environmental impact of food through the adoption of healthier and more sustainable diets

Malnutrition is one of today’s major global challenges, characterized by the coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition: two seemingly opposite but often interconnected phenomena. Undernutrition in developing countries is fueled by food insecurity, conflicts, and economic disparities, while industrialized nations face overnutrition due to excessive consumption of calorie- dense, nutrient-poor foods, leading to chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This dual burden places increasing pressure on healthcare systems and the environment, highlighting the urgent need for innovative and sustainable solutions. Simultaneously, the global food system significantly impacts the environment, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and resource overexploitation. Adopting sustainable dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean Diet (MD), is essential for addressing these challenges. Characterized by a variety of fresh, local foods—including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, olive oil, and legumes—the MD is recognized for its health benefits, including reduced cardiovascular risk, improved weight management, and anti- inflammatory properties. Additionally, the MD supports environmental sustainability by promoting seasonal and local foods and fostering biodiversity, thus balancing human health and environmental well-being. The transition toward healthier and more sustainable diets requires systemic and tailored interventions. Collective catering, clear food labeling, and the use of digital tools are key in guiding consumer food choices. Technologies such as apps, digital platforms, and educational programs play a pivotal role in supporting informed and sustainable eating behaviors. Nutrition education emerges as a central strategy to prevent and combat malnutrition. Innovative approaches like nudging, which subtly encourages healthier choices, and edutainment, combining education with entertainment, are particularly effective in engaging younger generations and fostering long- term behavioral change. This doctoral thesis, conducted in collaboration with the social enterprise Madegus S.r.l., aimed to promote sustainable food choices by engaging children, adolescents, and adults in diverse settings, including schools, workplaces, and sports organizations. To achieve this goal, seven research projects were undertaken. Giocampus Method, monitored through the Giocampus Prospective Project, and the AUDACE Project demonstrate the effectiveness of playful, interactive food education for youth, utilizing innovative strategies to instill sustainable and healthy habits. The LOSTELLO Project focuses on promoting sustainable eating practices within communities, particularly emphasizing the MD and its health and environmental benefits. In workplace settings, initiatives such as the Wellness Project and the INAIL Worklimate Study highlight how nutrition education can align with broader goals of health and productivity. 8 These projects aim to enhance worker well-being by providing educational resources and practical support to encourage informed and sustainable dietary choices. The SONMED Study, targeting adults with chronic conditions, explores the potential of the MD in disease management, showing improvements in health markers linked to its adoption. However, long-term monitoring is necessary to confirm and expand on these findings. These projects provide concrete examples of how targeted, evidence-based educational interventions can address malnutrition, promote healthy lifestyles, and advance environmental sustainability by engaging individuals across different age groups and social contexts. Despite progress, there is a lack of educational tools that effectively integrate health, sustainability, and personalization. Further development of integrated programs that tackle malnutrition and environmental impacts is necessary. These should promote the MD and other eco-friendly dietary models through long-term, multidimensional interventions. The research underscores that collaborative approaches, supported by public policies and digital technologies, can significantly improve eating habits, contributing to healthier lives and a sustainable future.