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Nutrition transition in Chile: determinants and consequences
Cecilia Albala1, Fernando Vio, Juliana Kain
1Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INTA), University of Chile, Santiago. calbala@uchile.cl
Public Health Nutrition
|May 25, 2002
Summary
Chile is experiencing a nutrition transition, with decreasing malnutrition and rising obesity across all age groups. Promoting healthy lifestyles is crucial for improving quality of life and reducing chronic disease.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Chile has undergone a significant nutrition transition.
- This transition is characterized by a decrease in malnutrition and a rapid increase in obesity.
- Associated health issues like hypertension and diabetes are also on the rise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the determinants and consequences of the nutrition transition in Chile.
- To describe health promotion policies related to this transition.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive, population-based study was conducted.
- Data were sourced from national surveys and governmental organizations (FAO, INE, Ministries of Health, Education, Planning).
- Variables included demographic, dietary, nutritional, and biomedical data.
Main Results:
- Obesity has increased rapidly in all age groups since the 1980s, affecting 25% of adult women and significant proportions of children.
- Prevalent nutritional risk factors include a shift towards a 'Western diet' with increased fat consumption and constant sedentarism.
- High prevalence of hypertension (over 10% in adults), increasing diabetes, and elevated cholesterol levels (over 40% of adults) were observed.
Conclusions:
- Promoting healthy lifestyles, including dietary changes and increased physical activity, is the primary strategy to address the nutrition transition.
- Lifestyle modifications can improve life expectancy quality and reduce morbidity and mortality from chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases.