How Does Undernutrition Increase the Risk of Obesity and Diabetes?
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Synopsis
Explore how undernutrition, often viewed as a lack of proper nutrition, paradoxically contributes to rising rates of obesity and diabetes among vulnerable populations. This article sheds light on the intricate relationship between malnutrition and metabolic health, calling for urgent action to improve dietary environments.
Key Takeaways
- Undernutrition can paradoxically lead to obesity and diabetes.
- Unhealthy food environments contribute to rising rates of overweight among children.
- Low-income populations often consume cheap, unhealthy foods that exacerbate health issues.
- Early-life undernutrition affects metabolic health into adulthood.
- Action is needed to promote access to nutritious foods and regulate unhealthy marketing.
New Delhi, Sep 22 (NationPress) While undernutrition is typically linked to inadequate nourishment, health professionals opined this week that it is increasingly becoming a significant risk factor for obesity and diabetes.
As reported by UNICEF, by 2025, the global rate of obesity among school-aged children and adolescents is predicted to surpass that of underweight individuals for the first time.
This alarming transformation in the realm of malnutrition threatens the well-being and future prospects of children, communities, and nations.
The Child Nutrition Report from the UN agency highlighted how unhealthy dietary environments are exacerbating the global rise in overweight and obesity among children and adolescents.
“When we consider undernutrition, we often envision emaciated children or adults who haven't developed properly. However, in today's society, undernutrition can also result in obesity. Individuals from low-income backgrounds, often lacking awareness, tend to purchase inexpensive foods and beverages that are high in sugar and fat but deficient in nutrition,” stated Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Chairman of the Scientific Committee at IMA Cochin, in an interview with IANS.
“For instance, sugary beverages are heavily marketed by celebrities and sold at low prices, yet they contribute to obesity and diabetes. In contrast to more educated individuals who may choose water and a balanced diet rich in protein, fiber, fruits, and vegetables, these individuals often select sugary drinks, calorie-dense fried snacks, and packaged foods that are relatively affordable,” he elaborated.
Dr. Jayadevan pointed out that undernourished mothers are likely to give birth to children predisposed to obesity as they transition into adulthood, especially when food becomes plentiful.
This phenomenon was illustrated in a recent study published in the journal Cell Metabolism, where Indian researchers examined a rat model of undernutrition over 50 generations, closely paralleling human populations in developing nations.
The undernourished rats exhibited elevated insulin levels and reduced vitamin B12 and folate compared to control rats.
The study's findings indicated that undernourished rats exhibited metabolic irregularities linked to epigenetic changes that were not reversed even after two generations of unrestricted access to normal chow.
“In India, the paradox of undernutrition increasing the risk of obesity and diabetes is often articulated through the concept of the ‘double burden of malnutrition’,” remarked Dr. Sanjeev Galande, Dean of the School of Natural Sciences at Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, one of the authors of the study, in conversation with IANS.
Dr. Galande elaborated that early-life undernutrition predisposes the body to conserve energy, store fat efficiently, and develop lower muscle mass, leading to enduring metabolic alterations.
“When such individuals later encounter calorie-rich diets and sedentary lifestyles, which are becoming increasingly common in India, they face a considerably heightened risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases,” he added.
The experts also noted that a lack of physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to the increased obesity risk among these populations, further exacerbated by smoking and alcohol consumption.
As both obesity and diabetes continue to rise, the experts urged for enhanced efforts to improve access to nutritious, affordable food and to combat the marketing of unhealthy food products.
Point of View
It is imperative to address the growing concerns surrounding undernutrition and its unexpected connection to obesity and diabetes. Our commitment is to provide insightful, evidence-based reporting that highlights the pressing need for action in public health policies. We must strive for a future where nutritious food is accessible and affordable for all, ensuring healthier generations ahead.
NationPress
22/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the link between undernutrition and obesity?
Undernutrition can lead to metabolic changes that predispose individuals to obesity when they later consume calorie-dense foods, thus increasing the risk of obesity and diabetes.
How does early-life undernutrition affect future health?
Children born to undernourished mothers may develop a tendency to store fat efficiently, leading to a higher risk of obesity and related diseases in adulthood.
What role does food marketing play in obesity?
Aggressive marketing of unhealthy, calorie-dense foods and beverages, especially to low-income populations, contributes significantly to rising obesity rates.
What solutions are suggested to combat malnutrition?
Experts advocate for improved access to nutritious foods, better education about healthy eating, and stricter regulations on unhealthy food marketing.
Why is this issue particularly relevant in India?
India faces the 'double burden of malnutrition,' where undernutrition coexists with rising obesity rates, necessitating urgent public health actions.
