Symposium: Obesity in Developing Countries:

Biological and Ecological Factors

 

 

 

ABSTRACT Changes in diet and activity patterns are fueling the obesity epidemic. These rapid changes in the

levels and composition of dietary and activity/inactivity patterns in transitional societies are related to a number of

socioeconomic and demographic changes. Using data mainly from large nationally representative and nationwide

surveys, such as the 1989, 1991, 1993 and 1997 China Health and Nutrition Surveys, in combination with

comparative analysis across the regions of the world, we examine these factors. First, we show the shifts in diet

and activity are consistent with the rapid changes in child and adult obesity and in some cases have been causally

linked. We then provide a few examples of the rapid changes in the structure of diet and activity, in particular

associated with increased income. Cross-country and in-depth analysis of the China study are used to explore

these relationships. People living in urban areas consume diets distinctly different from those of their rural

counterparts. One of the more profound effects is the accelerated change in the structure of diet, only partially

explained by economic factors. A second is the emergence of a large proportion of families with both currently

malnourished and overweight members as is shown by comparative analysis of a number of Asian and Latin

American countries. J. Nutr. 131: 871S– 873S, 2001.

 

 

untuk selanjutnya silahkan download disini