Nutrition Transition in Developing Countries: A Review

Background: Over the centuries there have been changes in the diet of man. This is accompanied by changes in the level of activity and body composition. These changes have effects on the health of man. Modern science has continued to reveal the relationship between the changes in diet, physical activity, body composition of man and his health and the general effect on his life expectancy and quality of life. These changes occur at different rates in different parts of the world. Objective: This paper aims at studying these shifts in pattern of diet, physical activity and body composition with special interest in developing countries. Method: Relevant literature was reviewed from medical journals, library search, PubMed search, google search and search using other internet search engines. The key words employed were: Nutrition transition, with particular emphasis on developing countries. Result: Several studies have given perspectives on nutrition transition, the factors that are responsible for the transition, the effects on the health of man, the scenarios in developed world and in the developing countries. Also highlighted are the challenges it poses to humanity and possible measures to arrest the situation. Conclusion: It is obvious that nutrition transition is a reality that is present with humanity. In the developing world we have more problems on our hands as we have not succeeded in controlling the communicable diseases and the non-communicable diseases most of which are nutrition related are becoming predominant. This calls for action to prevent the dire consequences of inaction.