LONDON: Almost every country in the world now has serious nutrition problems, either due to over-eating leading to obesity or a lack of food leading to undernutrition, according to a major study published on Saturday.
Researchers behind the Global Nutrition Report, which looked at 140 countries, said the problems were “putting the brakes on human development as a whole” and called for a critical change in the response to this global health threat.
The report found that while malnutrition rates are falling globally, their rate of decrease is not fast enough to meet the internationally agreed Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to end all forms of malnutrition by 2030.
More than 155 million children aged under five are stunted due to lack of nutrition, and 52 million are defined as “wasted” — meaning they do not weigh enough for their height, the report said.
At the other end of the spectrum, over-eating is taking a heavy toll on people of all ages worldwide: the report found that two billion of the world’s seven billion people are now overweight or obese.
In North America, a third of all men and women are obese.
Worldwide, at least 41 million children under five are overweight, and in Africa alone, some 10 million children are now classified as overweight.
“Historically, maternal anemia and child undernutrition have been seen as separate problems to obesity and non-communicable diseases,” said Jessica Fanzo, a professor at Johns Hopkins University in the US who co-led the Global Nutrition Report.
“The reality is they are intimately connected and driven by inequalities everywhere in the world. That’s why governments ... need to tackle them holistically, not as distinct problems.”
Donor funding for nutrition rose by just 2 percent to $867 million in 2015, the report found. It said funding needs to be “turbo charged” and called for a tripling of global investment in nutrition to $70 billion over 10 years.
The Global Nutrition Report is an independently produced annual analysis of the state of the world’s nutrition. It tracks progress on targets for maternal, infant and young child nutrition and on diet-related chronic diseases adopted by World Health Organization member states.
Millions either malnourished or obese in global nutrition crisis, major study says
Millions either malnourished or obese in global nutrition crisis, major study says
Where We Are Going Today: Brown Branch Bakery and Cafe
- New cafe alert in Alkhobar’s Olaya
While leaving my friend a voice note as I exited a popular local cafe across the street, I stumbled upon the building that houses Brown Branch, a newly opened bakery and cafe, and decided to head over and check it out.
I was intrigued enough to step inside after spotting the window lush with fresh flowers.
The well-lit, well-decorated, aesthetically pleasing interior was fragrant and full of life.
Up the flight of stairs, there is ample seating both indoors and outdoors — for those who prefer fresh air or a view of the surroundings.
The cafe is so practical for work or study. Outlets are aplenty so you can charge your device while you recharge.
Having opened just this month, it only had a few customers during my visit, but I am sure the cafe will grow and blossom once more people discover it.
Two customers — who turned out to be nurses — were enthusiastically finishing their order, of which only crumbs remained. We had a pleasant chat and I asked what they had tried.
They had devoured the blueberry cheesecake, priced at SR29 ($7), and highly recommended it. The cheesecake is round and perfect for one or to share. I immediately placed that order.
What made it fun was that the crust encased it, with fresh berries decorating part of the top. For me, the crust is always my favorite part, so having it be where my spoon dug into first was such a pleasant surprise. The creamy interior with some fruit tucked within was really good. I ate it all in one go.
They also raved about their cups of hot chocolate (SR15 each).
Since I was well caffeinated from the neighboring cafe, I opted for an iced hibiscus tea for SR17, which was very refreshing — though the size was small and finished quickly. Wish it was larger.
I also tried a slice of lemon cake for SR13 with icing on top. It was enjoyable but not memorable.
The owner is already established in the local cafe community. She opened the Meow Cafe at Amwaj Mall a few years ago and later expanded to Dammam.
With this new venture, she is showcasing a fresh sensibility.
The name Brown Branch alludes to growth, picking fruit and relaxing together on a branch — a connection with nature that reflects the ambience and overall vibe.
There is a glass display filled with pastries — you would be spoiled for choice — and the drink menu is also extensive.
I am definitely coming back to try even more offerings.
Visit them on Instagram @brownbranch.sa.
