Title:Impact of Nutrition Transition and Resulting Morbidities on Economic and Human Development
Volume: 13
Issue: 5
Author(s): Rajagopal Gayathri, Vaidya Ruchi and Viswanathan Mohan*
Affiliation:
- Madras Diabetes Research Foundation & Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, WHO Collaborating Centre for Non-Communicable Diseases, International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Centre of Education, 4, Conran Smith Road, Gopalapuram, Chennai - 600 086,India
Keywords:
Economic burden, developing countries, non-communicable diseases, nutrition transition, Type 2 diabetes.
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.
