Who shapes international nutrition policy and how?
Some preliminary research findings. Abstract: International nutrition policy is a driver of food systems, health and environmental outcomes. On the forefront of international political debate is the impending challenge developing nations face from the growing burden of obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) – the ‘lifestyle’ diseases known as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other ‘preventable’ diseases. Contrary to popular belief these diseases impact more on the developing world than the developed; 80% of the non-communicable disease burden is borne by developing countries, accounting for 60% of the total global disease burden – more than HIV/Aids, TB and Malaria together. Obesity and NCDs are indicators of the changing interface of human biology and food systems – they show that even in the poorest countries, diets and their food systems drivers, are changing towards the consumption and production of energy dense but nutrient poor foods. Underpinning these developments is a
