Regional overview of food insecurity: Europe and Central Asia

Economic growth and rising per capita incomes have all but wiped out hunger in Europe and Central Asia. But as countries become more affluent, changing consumption patterns are giving rise to other health threats. This "food insecurity transition" is documented in a new report released by FAO. Regional Overview of Food Insecurity: Europe and Central Asia analyzes a wealth of country data: on dietary energy supply, undernourishment indicators such as stunting and wasting, anaemia, overweight and obesity, and what people on average are eating. The report points to a pattern whereby countries progress from dealing predominantly with undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, to coping with degenerative diseases associated with increased dietary fat, sugar, meat and dairy, and processed foods. This transition is often accompanied by a more sedentary lifestyle.