Reports / Reports

Unhealthy Developing World Food Markets

Low income populations (i.e., those living on $2-13 USD/day) in developing countries are disproportionately vulnerable to what is affordable, accessible and aspirational, and are increasingly incorporating available “unhealthy foods” (high in fat,sugar, salt, and calories with little nutritional value) into their diets. While changing food markets may bring potential benefits including improved food safety, security, and product diversity, overconsumption of these unhealthy foods leads to a burden of health and financial impacts, including obesity, hypertension, diabetes, loss of productivity and absenteeism for these low income individuals, their families and the broader societies in which they live.