"Obesity epidemic" and hunger, the two great ills of Latin America

Obesity and hunger are the two biggest ills of Latin America and the Caribbean, according to a report released Monday by the OECD and the FAO, which denounces the serious food situation or better malnutrition in the region, as well as the increase in the number of food insecure people. This is a true "epidemic of obesity," said the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in its report. with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

"Obesity currently affects about a quarter of the population" in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the report titled "Agricultural Outlook 2019-2028". This work highlights that, in addition to the obese obese, 60% of Latin Americans are affected, and denounces the "triple burden of malnutrition", a mixture of undernourishment, obesity and lack of micronutrients that creates "an increasingly serious public health problem."

Obesity: a permanent tension between epidemic and discrimination

The phenomenon "seems to continue to progress", warn experts from FAO and the OECD, "especially for the poor sections of the population, women, indigenous peoples, people of African descent and, in some cases, children". The rates of overweight and obesity, well above the global average for more than 40 years, are "comparable" to those in high income countries.

Currently, Latin America is "in second place in the world rankings just after North America," the document says. At the same time, although agricultural and food production in Latin America is "surplus", the number of food-insecure people, that is, suffering from hunger, has increased. for the third year in a row ".

More than the availability of food, it is the costs to poor consumers that explain the deterioration of the situation, according to experts. That's why the World Health Organization (WHO), another UN agency, recommends that the proportion of sugars and fats not exceed 10% and 30%, respectively, of the total calories consumed.

Argentina tops the ranking of sugar consumption in the region

Many uncertainties for the next 10 years

"It seems that the eating habits of the region do not match with the preconceived ideas," says the text. Experts also warn of the sharp increase in animal protein consumption in an area where food was rich in grains, roots, tubers and legumes.

The report highlights some public policy initiatives such as the limitation of advertising for processed foods and beverages and the nutrition labeling detailed in packages put in place by Chile, the health-related food tax. Mexico and the Infant Feeding Law in Brazil. In addition, it calculates that consumption of lentils, beans and other legumes worldwide will increase over the next 10 years, as will that of meat.

Despite the increase in agricultural production and the maintenance of low prices over the next decade, "many uncertainties persist," say the experts. Among the many uncertainties are also changing dietary preferences for health and sustainability issues and "policy responses to the alarming increase in obesity around the world", recognize both entities, which devote a chapter to this question.

More than half of Argentines are overweight or obese

The report predicts an increase in consumption levels of sugar and vegetable oils, reflecting the current trend towards more processed and prepared foods, particularly in many low- and middle-income countries that are rapidly urbanizing. Parallel Concern for health and well-being is likely to lead many high-income countries to reduce their consumption of red meat and change vegetable oils for butter.

In the special chapter on Latin America and the Caribbean, it is pointed out that the region accounts for 14% of world agricultural production and 23% of world exports of agricultural and fishery products, which should increase to 25%. % in 2028. Despite this growth, the region faces persistent challenges as many households can not afford to buy the food they need or protect their natural resources.

"Ensuring a more sustainable and inclusive path for future agricultural growth will depend on progress in nutrition, social protection and the environment and support for livelihoods", advise the experts.

Not eating enough fruit is worse than eating too much meat

S.D.