Publication date:
12 | 02 | 2025
Diets across Asia are undergoing significant changes due to various factors such as increased dietary energy supply, rising costs of healthy diets, and the growing availability of processed foods. These shifts have contributed to the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) while undernutrition continues to persist in some regions.
The Food Systems Dashboard (FSD) provides valuable insights into how diets are evolving across Asia. Since the 1960s, dietary energy supply has increased, but the share of calories from cereals, roots, and tubers has declined, indicating a shift in food sources. Meanwhile, the cost of a healthy diet has been steadily rising, making nutrient-rich foods less accessible to many people.
Key findings include:
-
A decline in home-cooked meals despite a rapid increase in supermarkets.
-
A significant rise in ultra-processed food sales and sugar consumption.
-
A worrying increase in obesity and diabetes rates across several Asian subregions.
-
The coexistence of undernutrition and diet-related NCDs, with high levels of anemia in women and food insecurity in South Asia.
Recommendations:
To address these challenges, experts suggest:
-
Increasing the availability and affordability of nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
-
Implementing taxes on sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods to reduce consumption.
-
Encouraging food vendors, restaurants, and retailers to offer healthier options.
Understanding these dietary transitions is crucial for promoting better nutrition and preventing long-term health risks across the region
📄 For more details, please refer to the attached document.