Global trends of obesity, malnutrition and dietary risk factors

Abstract

Abstract Background The burden of malnutrition across the world remains unacceptably high. Children under five years are facing multiple burdens, including stunting and wasting; conversely, overweight and obesity among adults are at record levels while global trends in chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are rising globally. Methods Data from the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC) and the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study and insights from the Global Nutrition Report will be discussed. Results No changes in age-standardised mean BMI in girls and boys from 1975 to 2016 were registered in eastern Europe, while an increase of up to 1.00 kg/m2 per decade was reported in central Latin America (for girls) and in Polynesia and Micronesia (for boys), with lower but significant variations over time all around the world. There has been some progress in reducing malnutrition at a global level but there are significant disparities in progress at the national and subnational level. Fewer than one in five children aged 6 to 23 months eat a minimally acceptable diet while only half of children aged 6 to 23 months get the recommended minimum number of meals. Regardless of wealth, children, adolescents and adults are eating too many refined grains and sugary foods and drinks, and not enough foods that promote health such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. A total of 11 million deaths are attributable to dietary risk factors. High intake of sodium, low intake of whole grains, and low intake of fruits are the leading dietary risk factors for deaths globally. However, important differences between regions and outcome (i.e., cardiovascular disease vs. cancer) have been registered. Conclusions Current data allow us to assess what people are eating at global level, but nutrition quality in all countries and wealth groups pose a significant threat to achieving ideal targets. Focus on healthy diets to drive better nutrition everywhere is crucial to prevent NCDs globally.