Global Report on the State of Dietary Data

Diet and nutrition are essential for health, well-being, and longevity, and the economic and health burdens of poor-quality diets are a worldwide concern. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are grappling with the deepening multiple burdens of malnutrition, with undernutrition, nutrient inadequacies, and overweight and obesity often presenting simultaneously. Time-relevant data is necessary to understand current food consumption practices and provide an evidence-based foundation for targeted and informed actions, policies, and messaging to address healthy eating. This report takes stock of dietary surveys carried out in LMICs from 1980 to 2019, highlights the increased investment in dietary surveys, and illustrates the type of information dietary data can provide for policy makers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 116 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Diet and nutrition play a vital role in determining health, well-being, and longevity. The economic and health consequences of poor-quality diets are a global concern, particularly for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, the long-term impact of these burdens in LMICs can be particularly devastating.

Malnutrition, characterized by undernutrition, nutrient inadequacies, and overweight and obesity, is a pressing issue in many LMICs. This multifaceted problem often coexists in communities, households, and even within individual individuals.

Timely and relevant data are essential for ensuring healthy diets. Robust data on food consumption patterns within a country provide valuable insights into current eating habits and serve as a foundation for designing targeted and informed actions, policies, and messaging to address key issues related to healthy eating.

The purpose of this report is to take stock and celebrate the collection and utilization of dietary data in LMICs. It aims to generate further momentum for investment in government-led dietary surveys in these countries.

Section 1 provides a comprehensive overview of dietary surveys conducted in LMICs from 1980 to 2019. It analyzes key characteristics and trends over time, shedding light on the progress made in this field.

Section 2 celebrates the increased investment in dietary surveys in LMICs by highlighting country stories related to the initiation, implementation, and data utilization of these surveys. These stories showcase the valuable contributions of governments, international organizations, and local communities in advancing the understanding of dietary patterns and informing policy decisions.

Section 3 aims to further encourage investment in government-led dietary surveys in LMICs by illustrating the type of information dietary data can provide for policy makers. Through data visualizations, this section showcases the insights that dietary data can offer in areas such as nutrition assessment, monitoring of dietary trends, identification of vulnerable populations, and formulation of evidence-based interventions.

By investing in government-led dietary surveys, LMICs can enhance their capacity to address malnutrition, improve food security, and promote healthier populations. This investment will contribute to the realization of Sustainable Development Goal 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.

In conclusion, diet and nutrition are critical to health, well-being, and longevity. The economic and health burdens associated with poor-quality diets are a worldwide concern, but for LMICs, the long-term impact of these burdens can be particularly devastating. Timely and relevant data on food consumption patterns are essential for ensuring healthy diets and informing targeted interventions. This report highlights the progress made in dietary surveys in LMICs and encourages further investment in government-led surveys to promote healthier populations and achieve sustainable development.

Dimension: 297 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789251357903