What is Double Burden of Malnutrition?
“The simultaneous presence of undernutrition (stunting, wasting, micronutrient deficiencies) and overnutrition (overweight, obesity) within the same population, household, or even individual.”
This double burden of malnutrition can exist at the:
Individual level: For example, obesity is caused by a deficiency of one or various vitamins and minerals.
Household level: A mother may be overweight or anaemic and a child or grandparent may be underweight.
Population-level: where undernutrition and overweight are prevalent in the same community, nation, or region.
One can see diabetic patients in developing countries (like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and some other third-world countries) who are Obese from the outside but battling many nutritional deficiencies on the inside.
It’s a complex issue often found in low and middle-income countries undergoing rapid economic and dietary transitions.
2 Key Terms to Understand:
Undernutrition: results from inadequate intake of calories, protein, and micronutrients, leading to stunting, wasting, and diseases like anemia.
Over-nutrition: Occurs due to excessive or imbalanced nutrient intake, often linked to processed foods and sedentary lifestyles, leading to overweight/obesity and related health problems.
What are the root causes of the Double Burden of Malnutrition?
It is often linked to poverty, food insecurity, lack of access to nutritious foods, and rapid dietary shifts towards processed foods.
Combating the Double Burden of Malnutrition:
Addressing the double burden of malnutrition requires a multi-faceted approach that tackles both undernutrition and overnutrition simultaneously. Here are some key strategies:
Addressing Under-nutrition:
Improved food security: Increase access to diverse and nutritious foods through sustainable agriculture, food distribution systems, and social safety nets.
Exclusive breastfeeding: Promote and support exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.
Complementary feeding: Guide appropriate complementary feeding practices after six months.
Micronutrient supplementation: Implement programs to address deficiencies in iron, zinc, vitamin A, and other essential micronutrients.
Addressing Over-nutrition:
Healthy diet promotion: Educate the public about the importance of balanced diets, emphasizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
Physical activity: Encourage regular physical activity through community programs and safe spaces.
Food environment: Regulate the marketing of unhealthy foods, especially to children, and promote healthier food options.
Obesity prevention programs: Implement programs targeting overweight and obese individuals to prevent the progression of chronic diseases.
Integrated Approaches:
Lifespan approach: Address malnutrition across all life stages, from pregnancy to old age.
Multi-sectoral collaboration: Involve health, agriculture, education, social welfare, and other sectors in developing and implementing policies.
Social determinants of health: Address underlying factors such as poverty, inequality, and education to create enabling environments for good nutrition.
Monitoring and evaluation: Regularly assess the impact of interventions and adjust strategies accordingly.
You can see what WHO has to say on Double burden of Malnutrition from this link
