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Globalization and Health

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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Obesity | Review

Economic globalization, nutrition and health: a review of quantitative evidence

Authors: Soledad Cuevas García-Dorado, Laura Cornselsen, Richard Smith, Helen Walls

Published in: Globalization and Health | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Background

Unhealthy dietary patterns have in recent decades contributed to an endemic-level burden from non-communicable disease (NCDs) in high-income countries. In low- and middle-income countries rapid changes in diets are also increasingly linked to malnutrition in all its forms as persistent undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies continue to coexist with a rising prevalence of obesity and associated NCDs. Economic globalization and trade liberalization have been identified as potentially important factors driving these trends, but the mechanisms, pathways and actual impact are subject to continued debate.

Methods

We use a ‘rigorous review’ to synthesize evidence from empirical quantitative studies analysing the links between economic globalization processes and nutritional outcomes, with a focus on impact as well as improving the understanding of the main underlying mechanisms and their interactions.

Findings

While the literature remains mixed regarding the impacts of overall globalization, trade liberalization or economic globalization on nutritional outcomes, it is possible to identify different patterns of association and impact across specific sub-components of globalization processes. Although results depend on the context and methods of analysis, foreign direct investment (FDI) appears to be more clearly associated with increases in overnutrition and NCD prevalence than to changes in undernutrition. Existing evidence does not clearly show associations between trade liberalization and NCD prevalence, but there is some evidence of a broad association with improved dietary quality and reductions in undernutrition. Socio-cultural aspects of globalization appear to play an important yet under-studied role, with potential associations with increased prevalence of overweight and obesity. The limited evidence available also suggests that the association between trade liberalization or globalization and nutritional outcomes might differ substantially across population sub-groups.

Overall, our findings suggest that policymakers do not necessarily face a trade-off when considering the implications of trade or economic liberalization for malnutrition in all its forms. On the contrary, a combination of nutrition-sensitive trade policy and adequate regulation of FDI could help reduce all forms of malnutrition. In the context of trade negotiations and agreements it is fundamental, therefore, to protect the policy space for governments to adopt nutrition-sensitive interventions.

Available only for authorised users

See Dreher et al. (2006) [43] for a detailed description of KOF index of globalization. The economic component includes flows of international goods, services, investment and capital, as well as restrictions, such as tariffs or other taxes on international trade as well as hidden import barriers (in the form or regulations and standards, for example). The political component includes number of embassies, membership in international organizations and participation in “UN security council” meetings. The social component includes measures of flows of information (through internet, television, newspaper and other channels), cultural proximity and personal contact (including measures such as number of foreign residents, tourism or costs of a call to the US). The different components and sub-components of the index and their potential interpretation in the context of our study will be further discussed in the Results section.

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Title: Economic globalization, nutrition and health: a review of quantitative evidence
Authors: Soledad Cuevas García-Dorado
Laura Cornselsen
Richard Smith
Helen Walls
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Obesity
Obesity
Nutrition
Overweight
Published in: Globalization and Health / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1744-8603
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-019-0456-z

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Economic globalization, nutrition and health: a review of quantitative evidence

Abstract

Background

Methods

Findings

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Findings

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