Impact of Nutrition Transition and Resulting Morbidities on Economic and Human Development

Abstract

Introduction: Nutrition transition is an adverse outcome of rapid economic development and globalization. The present review documents the pattern of nutrition and health transition among different food groups leading to the growing global and national epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Method: Studies published in various national and international journals were searched using PubMed and Google Scholar search engines from the year 2000 to 2015. Literature was reviewed to gather data pertaining to nutrition and health transition and economic burden of non-communicable disease (NCDs).

Results: Diets are changing globally towards higher intakes of simple and refined carbohydrates (including sugar), fat and lower intake of complex carbohydrates. The upsurge of co-morbidities arising from nutrition transition is a serious threat worldwide especially in developing countries like India, which in turn poses a huge impact on economic development of the nation.

Conclusion: Better awareness and encouragement of using healthier diet option can help to combat the epidemic of NCDs in the developing world.

Keywords: Economic burden; Type 2 diabetes; developing countries; non-communicable diseases; nutrition transition.