Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Post

Malnutrition stands as a barrier between human development and our full potential, threatening children’s wellbeing. When pregnant people are denied access to good nutrition because of conflict, poverty, and cultural norms, the consequences often exacerbate systemic inequalities. Despite this, change is possible. The 🔑: investing in early nutrition interventions. Small investments in micronutrients, especially in-utero could not only make us smarter, but provide even greater outcomes for moms and babies. We need policies that increase government food subsidies, cash transfers, and MMS as standard of care for all pregnant people. Investing in comprehensive strategies like food fortification and ensuring access to nutrient-dense foods is essential for nurturing healthier, more resilient communities globally. The Economist examines how investing in nutrition interventions can improve the outcomes of a child’s life—all for a low cost. Read more:

“Just as muscles need food and exercise to grow strong, the brain needs good food and stimulation to develop properly.” Children who lack proper nutrition early in life are more likely to suffer developmental delays and health challenges later in life. Investing in nutrition interventions is a proven, affordable way to impact the futures of generations of children. Learn more from The Economist: https://lnkd.in/eZndTABt

Small investment can make the difference.

🩺 Did you know that anemia affects approximately 496 million women worldwide? Iron deficiency contributes to about one-half of these cases. #FoodFortification is one powerful strategy countries can adopt to reduce the prevalence of anemia and improve population health. Read more about how food fortification can improve the health of adults:

In any assessment of a nation's socio-economic progress, the health and well-being of its women and children is paramount. Undernutrition is not merely a health concern, it is fundamentally an economic and human capital issue with profound implications for a country's development and future

A comprehensive study recently published in The Lancet describes the dual challenges of underweight and obesity faced by over 200 countries and territories . Analyzing data from 3,663 studies and over 222 million participants, it reveals pivotal shifts in global health, with obesity rates surging among both adults and school-aged children from 1990 to 2022. Key Insights: - The study marks a significant rise in obesity, now affecting over one billion people globally. - Childhood and adolescent obesity rates have quadrupled, while adult obesity has more than doubled since 1990. - Among school-aged children and adolescents, the prevalence of obesity now exceeds that of thinness in the majority of countries analyzed Underweight and obesity are associated with adverse health outcomes throughout the life course. Optimal nutrition and health policies should address both forms of malnutrition, as indicated by Sustainable Development Goal Target 2.2, which calls for ending “all forms of malnutrition”.

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🆘Over a billion people worldwide are now living with #obesity according to a report that WHO released in March 1st 2024. Meanwhile, #SouthEastAsia nations have been seeing alarmingly increasing rates of double burden, 🔥under-nutrition and 🔥obesity, in the last 10-15 years. 🆘An estimated 6.6 million young children under 5 years and 🆘one in five adults have been overweight. While the image from ADBinstitute reflects a study of wealthy Asians and the risks of overnutrition and obesity, there're plenty of marginalized and ethnic groups that've been suffering malnutrion and obesity which commonly described as the double burden on population health. Clinical problems caused by obesity include type 2 #diabetes, #heart disease, #hypertension, #cancer risks, reproductive disorders, metabolic syndrome, mood disorders, etc. 🆘Unhealthy diets, due to urban lifestyle changes, food affordability or food insecurity, and 🆘lack of physical activity are the key causes to 🔥persistent under-nutrition, 🔥micronutrient deficiencies, and the 🔥 emerging problem of over-nutrition. 💡While overweight, obesity, overnutrition, and malnutrition are largely #preventable and #reversible, the marginalzied and ethnic groups have less access to heathly foods, necessary lifestyle changes, etc. 🌏How’ve these health challenges been evolving in your nation and region? Giang Pham bePrana Wellness 📸 by ADB

The rate of childhood and adult obesity in Europe and Central Asia has risen, according to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). #obesity #europe #centralasia #childhoodobesity #adultobesity

Research published by the Lancet this week is making the news with a critical milestone in the global health crisis: the number of individuals categorised as having obesity has surpassed a staggering One Billion! This epidemic has far-reaching implications, straining healthcare systems and economies while affecting individual well-being. The rise in obesity levels is not confined to a particular region, making it a global challenge demanding urgent action. Governments, healthcare systems and health professionals must collaborate to combat this growing threat. Decreased productivity, rising healthcare costs, and increased absenteeism pose serious challenges to societies worldwide. This wake-up call demands that we disrupt traditional and often failing approaches to managing obesity and underlying metabolic health to deliver a healthier and more sustainable future. https://lnkd.in/ebvBz6pF