The Epidemiological Impact of Diet and Nutrition on Non-communicable Diseases: Insights into Over Nutrition and Undernutrition

Aims: To revisited the diet and nutrition based non-communicable diseases (NCD) with emphasize on undernutrition and over nutrition with its related factors

Discussion: The condition of weight related derangement such as unintentional weight loss or underweight, overweight and obesity are still a major NCD related health problem because these are rapidly emerging derangement in nutritional status from the epidemiological perspective. The paradox of nutrition transition shifts for global nutritional status due to excessive intake with sedentary lifestyle which occur since very early in life causing overweight and obesity, but on the other hand, undernutrition or even malnutrition due to insufficient intake and perhaps in combination with prolonged and persistent infection also happen. The burden persists, even keep raising, especially among vulnerable group of the community, namely women and children. Mostly, it is related to unhealthy dietary habits consists of overconsumption in sugar, saturated fat and cholesterol, and also salt, with restricted dose of vegetables and fruits. Once again, malnutrition is a silent but deteriorating condition which cover from undernutrition, overweight, and obesity. Nutritional imbalances can precipitate series of events consisting of insulin sensitivity which leads to insulin resistance, chronic oxidative stress, and its related inflammation- usually also happen chronic systemic and low grade, which can lead to NCD development.

Conclusion: From the epidemiology perspective, the persistent and even emerging diet and nutrition based NCD are important to tackle immediately because their effect, short and long term, which can affect the well being of vulnerable individuals, their community and even their country. Every preventive effort must be practiced by all stakeholder.