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Effect of Westernization of Nutritional Habits on Obesity Prevalence in Latin America

Analysis and Recommendations

  • Chapter
Preventive Nutrition

Abstract

Key Points

  • Nutritional habits of Latin Americans show a trend toward a Western-type diet.

  • There is a clear tendency of increased consumption of fats, saturated fats, and animal proteins and of decreased consumption of fruits and vegetables in the diet.

  • Prevalence of obesity is high in many countries of the region in all age groups, with a clear tendency to increase.

  • Prevention programs should be implemented from childhood, with a strong political backing and the involvement of the community.

  • Recommendations on objectives and goals to increase nutrition education and promote exercise in the population are proposed.

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Rozowski, J., Castillo, O., Moreno, M. (2005). Effect of Westernization of Nutritional Habits on Obesity Prevalence in Latin America. In: Bendich, A., Deckelbaum, R.J. (eds) Preventive Nutrition. Nutrition and Health. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-880-9_31

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-880-9_31

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

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