More than 1 in 3 low- and middle-income countries have problems with both undernutrition and obesity

More than a third of middle- and low-income countries are facing the “double burden of malnutrition” — having high rates of both undernutrition and overweight/obesity — according to a new report. Growth stunting and thinness — signs of undernutrition — are decreasing among women in many of these countries, the report finds, but the rate of obesity and people who are overweight is increasing across all age groups. When those who were undernourished then gain excess weight, it increases the risk of some chronic diseases, the scientists write, because it’s an added load on the body’s metabolism in a way that it wasn’t used to before. Researchers suggest “double-duty” policy actions that target both sides of malnutrition, including targeting the health of pregnant women to ensure healthy babies, and increasing access to affordable and healthy foods.