Health dangers on the rise
Statistics show that food habits are getting worse around the globe.
The intake of unhealthy foods such as fast foods and other fatty foods, as well as an increase in soft drink intake is damaging the health of millions of people.
According to www.downtoearth.org.in, research shows how much advertising for junk foods had soared and how few countries have moved to protect their children from it.
A well-known fast food restaurant had more than 14 times the number of outlets in 2013 than in 1994.
One of the studies assessed diet quality in 187 countries and found that worldwide, consumption of healthy foods such as fruit and vegetables has improved during the past two decades, but has been outpaced by the increased intake of unhealthy foods including processed meat and sweetened drinks in most world regions.
One study found that an alarming pattern is emerging in various formerly poor countries as they become richer, of which South Africa is one.
Many children in these countries are stunted in height due to poor nutrition and obesity.
Advertising of soft drinks, snacks and sugary cereals to children increased on television and in apps and online games has also increased.
