Global nutrition trend and double burden of malnutrition

摘要

Good nutrition is the cornerstone for survival, health and development for current and succeeding generations. Well-nourished children perform better in school, grow into healthy adults and in turn give their children a better start in life. Well-nourished women face fewer risks during pregnancy and childbirth, and their children set off on firmer developmental paths, both physically and mentally (Tontisirin and Yamborisut, 1995) Good nutrition is sustained by many factors like good access to adequate quality and quantity of water foods, good health care and peaceful environment. Human physiology is prepared for periodic scarcity but not permanent abundance. People must learn new behaviours to avoid over consumption. Two obstacles to a healthy life are infectious diseases, diet-related disorders. Therefore, a WHO recommendation for better nutrition is to make healthy and easy choices (WHO. 1995). Meeting the body's needs for energy and nutrients is essential for good health. Intakes of energy and/or nutrients below or in excess of needs for a prolonged period of time can adversely affect health through malnutrition. This paper raises awareness on the double burden of malnutrition.