Adherence

Obesity-related mortality and DALYs are highest in low-to-middle Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) countries, whereas malnutrition burden is concentrated in low SDI countries, creating a distinct geographic and socioeconomic split in the double burden of disease.

Public health in developing nations must anticipate the 'nutrition transition.' As economies grow, access to food increases, but often shifts toward unhealthy, obesity-driving diets. Policies must simultaneously address undernutrition and prevent the rise of obesity, as the burden of obesity-related death peaks in middle-income countries, not the wealthiest ones.