It is estimated that by 2020 two-thirds of the global burden of disease will be attributable to chronic non-communicable diseases, most of them strongly associated with diet. The nutrition transition towards refined foods, foods of animal origin, and increased fats plays a major role in the current global epidemics of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, among other non-communicable conditions. The term global health has even been coined to describe the underlying cause of health issues facing people and nations today, many of which are preventable.
The prevalence of fast food outlets offering menus filled with nutritionally deficient food while promoting “super-sized” portions, in combination with a scarcity of healthy alternatives, is an important public health issue that needs to examined. While fast food may have begun in the United States, health consequences related to the convergence of dietary habits are being witnessed all around the world.
The prevalence of fast food outlets offering menus filled with nutritionally deficient food while promoting “super-sized” portions, in combination with a scarcity of healthy alternatives, is an important public health issue that needs to examined. While fast food may have begun in the United States, health consequences related to the convergence of dietary habits are being witnessed all around the world.