Daijiworld Media Network - Islamabad

Islamabad, Feb 16: Pakistan is confronting a growing public health emergency as malnutrition and obesity rise side by side, placing mounting strain on the country’s healthcare system and overall well-being, according to a new assessment highlighted by Business Recorder.

A recent evaluation by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) points to deep structural imbalances in Pakistan’s food system that are steadily undermining nutrition and long-term development outcomes. While the country produces enough calories to feed its population, the system falls short in delivering the diversity and quantity of nutritious foods essential for a balanced diet.

In practical terms, the report notes, Pakistan’s food economy prioritizes energy-dense output over genuine nourishment. This imbalance has left millions exposed to malnutrition, child stunting, and diet-related illnesses — with women and children bearing the heaviest burden.

One of the most concerning trends is the sharp increase in the consumption of sugary and ultra-processed foods. Rural populations appear especially vulnerable, consuming higher levels of free sugars and fats than urban residents. The relative affordability and accessibility of calorie-rich, nutrient-poor foods are believed to be key drivers of this pattern.

Sales of processed food products have nearly doubled in recent years, reinforcing a cereal-heavy dietary culture across both rural and urban communities. Production and intake of staples such as cereals, sugar, and edible oils far exceed recommended levels for healthy diets, while nutrient-rich foods — including fruits, pulses, and legumes — remain insufficiently available and under-consumed.

At the same time, obesity rates have climbed sharply, now affecting 40 per cent of adults. This surge has fuelled a rise in non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, and diabetes. Pakistan currently ranks third worldwide in diabetes prevalence, underscoring the scale of the challenge.

Women’s health indicators are equally troubling. Anaemia affects roughly 41 per cent of women, contributing to poor maternal health and one of the region’s highest maternal mortality ratios — 186 deaths per 100,000 live births. Among children under five, stunting impacts 40 per cent, highlighting the persistence of chronic undernutrition.

The report emphasises that curbing excessive sugar consumption is critical to reversing these trends. It recommends higher taxes on sugary beverages, confectionery, and processed foods, with revenues channelled into nutrition and public health programmes to drive meaningful and lasting change.