Macro partitioning
Global dietary transition involves a shift from carbohydrate-rich staples to vegetable oils, animal products, and sugar, driven by income growth and trade liberalization, which is associated with rising rates of obesity and chronic diseases.
As incomes rise in developing regions, diets tend to shift toward more expensive, processed foods high in fats and sugars. To mitigate health risks, food policies must ensure that agricultural and health sectors work together to make healthy, diverse foods accessible and affordable, rather than just increasing total calorie availability.
Among other factors including urbanization and food industry marketing, the policies of trade liberalization over the past two decades have implications for health by virtue of being a factor in facilitating the ‘nutrition transition’ that is associated with rising rates of obesity and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Why this rating
Based on a comprehensive review of global FAO data and multiple regional studies, though observational in nature.
Source
Food consumption trends and drivers
John Kearney · Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences · 2010
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →