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Nutrition transitions and nutritional patterns represent the global shifts in dietary consumption and food practices that occur over time within populations, often influenced by economic development, urbanization, cultural changes, and globalization. These transitions are characterized by a move from diets high in complex carbohydrates and fiber, predominantly found in traditional societies, towards increased consumption of processed foods, animal products, fats, and sugars, commonly observed in more urbanized and industrialized societies. This shift has profound implications for public health, as it is closely linked with the rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain forms of cancer.
Initially, nutritional patterns in many societies were dictated by local agriculture and seasonality, leading to diets rich in plant-based foods, whole grains, and lean proteins from fish and legumes. However, as countries undergo nutrition transition, there is a notable increase in the consumption of energy-dense foods that are high in fat, sugar, and salt but low in essential nutrients. This change is often propelled by the growth of global food markets, changes in food production and distribution systems, and shifts in lifestyle that reduce physical activity and promote convenience eating.
The nutrition transition model helps to understand the complex relationship between socioeconomic development and changes in dietary patterns. It not only highlights the challenges posed by undernutrition in low-income countries but also sheds light on the problems of overnutrition and unhealthy dietary patterns in middle to high-income countries.
