It is obvious that the under- and over-nutrition problems are known as widespread nutrition problems in the population of the world. But which of the forms is more prevalent and how is its impact estimated on the health cost, productivity and prevention potential? Can anyone from the sector give me an overview of the situations? Thanks!
Under nutrition is more prevalent in developing / lower income countries, and Obesity is higher in higher income/developed (and urban areas of developing countries too) countries.
Under-nutrition is a serious threat in some Asia and African countries
Thanks! But which one is imposing more impact on a global basis like in terms of economic burden? By Economic burden, I mean the cost of health care, loss of productivity in adulthood, dropout from schools,... any other indicators of relevat association.
To answer the question, you need at least two indicators. The prevalence of both under nutrition and over-nutrition (overweight and obesity) and the cost of dealing with these morbid conditions. Over-nutrition is associated with high probability of developing further chronic diseases and this must be taken in consideration. The simplest answer to your question (based on judgement and limited readings) is as Subedi said ; under-nutrition is more common in underdeveloped countries and logically the burden is high in these countries in terms of ill-health, death and burden on families and health care systems. Over-nutrition is relatively common in rich countries with all its sequelae in terms of morbidity and associated chronic non-communicable disease. Now a days CNCD represent the prime killer of people everywhere but specially in rich countries.
To get better answer you need one of two things:
1. Make an extensive literature review looking for studies related to prevalence and cost. Alternatively, A research team may explore the possibility of carrying out an international study.
The causes and consequences of under-nutrition are different than the causes and consequences of over-nutrition. If you do an extensive survey on these two themes, you may get different trends: decreasing trend of under-nutrition and increasing trend of over-nutrition,and so the cost and productivity relates . Prevention measures are also different.
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