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5. EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND NUTRITION TRANSITION: THE DOUBLE BURDEN OF MALNUTRITION

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND NUTRITION TRANSITION: THE DOUBLE BURDEN OF MALNUTRITION

Mascie-Taylor Christopher Guy Nicholas

Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge, UK

Mascie-Taylor Christopher Guy Nicholas, e-mail: nmt1@cam.ac.uk.

Abstract

The theory of the epidemiological transition focuses on the complex changes in patterns of nutrition, health and disease and on the interactions between these patterns and their demographical, economical and sociological determinants and consequences. The theory was first put forward by Abdel R. Omran based on his analyses and comparisons of mortality patterns. The Epidemiological Transition is obviously linked to demographic and nutrition transitions. As far as nutrition is concerned changes in dietary and physical activity patterns are partly responsible for the secular trend in average stature and alterations in body composition. However many modern societies have a diet high in saturated fat, sugar, and refined foods and low in fibre (this diet is often referred to as the “Western diet”) and this diet is associated with high levels of pre-obesity and obesity as well as increased risk of chronic and degenerative diseases e.g. diabetes. Many countries are suffering from both undernutrition as well as overnutrition (i.e. the double burden of malnutrition). This paper reviews these concepts and considers how aid programmes can impact on these transitions.

Keywords

Epidemiological Transition, demography, malnutrition, undernutrition, overnutrition

Цит.: Mascie-Taylor Christopher Guy Nicholas EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND NUTRITION TRANSITION: THE DOUBLE BURDEN OF MALNUTRITION // Moscow University Anthropology Bulletin (Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta. Seria XXIII. Antropologia), 2014; 3/2014; с. 17-17