Changing the national environment to be more supportive of healthy eating may be instrumental in helping individuals consume more vitamin- and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, lose weight and lead healthy lifestyles, according to a new report.

The statement from the American Cancer Society says that there are a number of things an individual can do on their own to improve their health and eat a more nutritious diet. However, absent a more constructive social environment, more meaningful, society-wide changes may be difficult.

"Our guidelines have always stressed what people can do themselves to lower their risk of cancer, and that's important," said Colleen Doyle, who co-authored the report. "But we must also take public action to make those behaviors easier for all Americans. We can't just tell people to eat more fruits and vegetables and get more exercise when there are so many forces working against them."

The report adds that efforts to control tobacco use showed that public policy initiatives can lead to meaningful changes at the national, state and local levels. The same could be done in the fight against obesity and unhealthy lifestyles. To accomplish this change, the report recommends collaborative efforts between public, private and community groups.