Dynamics of the double burden of malnutrition and the changing nutrition reality.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review / series overview synthesizing global trends without systematic review methodology in abstract
PubMed 31852602 · doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(19)32497-3
What was done
This Lancet Series review described the epidemiological dynamics of the double burden of malnutrition (the coexistence of undernutrition alongside overweight and obesity) across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), evaluating variations by socioeconomic status and lifestyle drivers.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical data or statistical estimates. It reports that the double burden of malnutrition has increased in the poorest LMICs, driven mainly by increases in overweight and obesity. Indonesia is highlighted as the largest country with severe burden, alongside many Asian and sub-Saharan African nations. Key drivers discussed include rapid food system shifts toward cheap ultra-processed foods and beverages, as well as technology-driven declines in physical activity across work, transportation, home, and leisure.
Why it matters
It highlights that global health policy in developing economies must integrate strategies to prevent obesity alongside traditional undernutrition interventions.
Limits
The abstract provides no quantitative data, sample sizes, search strategy, or specific inclusion criteria. As a narrative review, it is vulnerable to selection bias and offers ecological-level generalizations.
Cited by
- contradicts Obesity is the leading cause of malnutrition globally.