New Delhi, Feb 16 (NationPress) Pakistan is currently grappling with the alarming dual challenge of malnutrition and obesity, placing immense strain on the national health system and overall public health. A recent report highlights that the pervasive intake of foods lacking essential nutrients has exacerbated Pakistan's enduring malnutrition crisis, with women and children bearing the brunt of its impact.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) recently conducted an assessment revealing significant structural flaws in the country’s food system that undermine nutrition and, in turn, compromise public health and long-term developmental prospects.

The report states that while the food system produces enough calories to sustain the population, it “fails to provide the quantity and variety of healthy, nutritious foods necessary for a balanced diet.”

Consequently, the nation is generating energy but not nourishment, leaving millions susceptible to malnutrition, stunting, and diet-related illnesses.

One of the most concerning findings is the steep rise in the consumption of sweets and snack foods.

“Rural areas are particularly affected, with residents consuming more free sugars and fats than those in urban settings, partially due to the relative affordability of energy-dense, sugar- and fat-laden options,” the report indicates.

Sales of processed foods in Pakistan have nearly doubled in recent years.

Furthermore, the production and consumption of cereals, sugar, and edible oils far exceed the requirements for a healthy diet, while the availability and intake of nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, pulses, and legumes remain alarmingly low.

This imbalance has led to a diet heavily reliant on cereals across both urban and rural populations.

Notably, the prevalence of obesity has soared, affecting 40 percent of adults and contributing to a surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and diabetes.

Pakistan ranks third globally for diabetes prevalence, a situation that weighs heavily on public health.

Anaemia now impacts about 41 percent of women, contributing to poor maternal nutrition and one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the region – 186 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Child malnutrition remains a critical issue, with stunting affecting 40 percent of children under five.

Mitigating excessive sugar consumption is vital. Implementing higher taxes on sugary beverages, confectioneries, and processed foods, with revenues reinvested into nutrition and health initiatives, could create significant incentives for positive change.