The Triple Burden of Malnutrition in the Era of Globalization

Abstract

The term "triple burden of malnutrition" refers to the coexistence of undernutrition (stunting and wasting), micronutrient deficiencies (often termed hidden hunger), and overnutrition (overweight and obesity). The three elements of the triple burden of malnutrition can be found simultaneously within many low-income populations and even within single families. There are common underlying causes to each element of the triple burden of malnutrition. In broad terms, these are as follows: poverty - a lack of access to the most nourishing foods; poor dietary choices - a lack of knowledge about what constitutes the most nourishing foods and a healthy diet; and food supply chain - production and marketing of cheap, low-quality foods. It can be argued that the underlying influence of these distal factors is channeled through a single proximal cause - namely a low nutrient density of foods.