Energy balance
Body mass index (BMI) increases rapidly with national income until a threshold of approximately $12,500-$17,000 (international dollars), after which it flattens and eventually declines, contradicting the linear 'diseases of affluence' paradigm.
Focus on obesity prevention early in economic development, before income reaches high levels. Interventions should target energy balance (caloric intake and physical activity) during the rapid rise phase, as waiting for high-income lifestyle shifts may be too late for public health goals.
BMI increased most rapidly until a national income of about I$5,000... and peaked at about I$12,500 for females and I$17,000 for males... BMI increased, then flattened, and eventually declined (Figures 2 and 3).
Why this rating
Cross-country analysis of over 100 countries using systematic reviews and national data, though observational.
Source
Rethinking the “Diseases of Affluence” Paradigm: Global Patterns of Nutritional Risks in Relation to Economic Development
Majid Ezzati et al. · PLoS Medicine · 2005
DOI 10.1371/journal.pmed.0020133
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