Increased-burden-of-Diseases-by-2050

Globally, emerge of COVID-19 had influenced all sectors including food production and manufacturing companies that ultimately diverse the dietary patterns of the population. Meanwhile, increasing trends of processed foods at street vendors with no proper concern for safety and hygiene also contribute to chronic illnesses. 

By Parkash Meghwar

CVD, Cancer & Diabetic are the rising illnesses in the world. About 34.2 million adults have type-2 diabetes as per the communicable disease center (CDC). It is projected that one in five adults will be diabetic patients by 2025 while one in three will be diabetic patients by 2050.

As per a report of 2021, 828 million people don’t have enough to eat globally. Every 30 seconds, a child died of hunger.

Several reports have estimated that by 2050, there will be an increased number of patients with CVDs, Cancer, Diabetic, Gastro-diseases, cholesterol issues, increased blood pressure, stroke, etc. Nutritional problems are raised due to the deficiency of iron, zinc, folate, Vitamin A, and iodine.

As per a global trend, an Increased number of overweight children under five-year, anemia among women, and obesity among adults have been observed.

WHO reported another major issue of dementia. Per year, 10 million suffer from the such curse and it will be triple by 2050.

By 2050, the preferences of food color, taste, and flavor will be changed so more focus is needed to retain these parameters.

WHO recommended avoiding the intake of trans-fat, sugary foods, fried foods, fast foods, low dietary fiber foods, synthetic food colors, synthetic sweeteners, processed foods, plastic packed foods, etc.

As a study reported that if one eats plastic-packed food for one month he or she will be diagnosed with cancer. Plastic packaging materials should be replaced with edible packaging films. The plastic issue is rising day by day. Harvard study reported that more plastic will be in the sea than fish by 2050.

Population growth is also increasing, at present 7.9 billion on earth, is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. To meet the global demand 60% more food is required to feed the world by 2050 (FAO).

Some Scientific literature-based recommendations are.

Experts need to introduce probiotics or fermented food products.

Ensure intake of dietary fiber that is 25-30g/day.

Emphasize on fortification of staple food commodities including wheat flour, ghee/oil, etc.

Focus on indigenous sources of food for indigenous people as FAO reported that indigenous people are key actors to fight poverty, hunger, and malnutrition.

Food Safety training should be organized for the street food vendors.

Diet Advocacy

Increase consumption of beans and legumes considered future foods. Very cheap, and high in protein and Vitamin B Complex. More than 20, 000 species of legumes are reported globally.