The changing dietary patterns and health issues in China

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to offer an overview of dietary transition patterns and a discussion of the food-related health issues in China. Design/methodology/approach The paper builds on a review of the existing literature on food consumption and diet changes in China, and highlights with specific attention to increasing food consumed away from home, the rising demand for fast and processed foods, and the popularizing of western-style foods in Chinese diets. Findings China’s food consumption patterns rapidly transitioned from one in which grains and vegetables dominated to one having more animal products and more diversification. More foods are consumed away from home and in the form of fast and processed. Income growth played and will continue to play a critical role in shifting the structure of food consumption. On the other hand, China is on a fast track from a lean population to one in which being overweight or obese. The associations between health outputs and food transitions, however, are inconclusive. Originality/value The main findings of this study have implications for better understanding the key trends and driving forces of China’s food demand system. Moreover, the results from this review are essential for food-related policymaking in many emerging economies where coexistence of undernutrition, deficiency of micronutrients and overweight and obesity is a common challenge to the society and individual households.

Nutrition Transition with Accelerating Urbanization? Empirical Evidence from Rural China

“…Since the level of urbanization in China approximately trebled from 1979 to 2018, China has experienced rapidly changing dietary patterns and the co-existence of overweight and obesity, undernutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies, especially in rural areas [ 6 , 50 ]. China’s government continues to promote urbanization in rural areas with mixed consequences for the food environment and in the socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental domains.…”

“…In rural compared to urban China, incomes are lower and infrastructure and access to services, markets, and value chains are often limited [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. As a result, there are still approximately 150.8 million people who are undernourished or suffer from micronutrient deficiencies in China, although overnutrition, such as overweight and obesity, has become a major public health issue [ 3 , 6 , 7 ].…”

Nutrition Education Practices of Health Teachers from Shanghai K-12 Schools: The Current Status, Barriers and Willingness to Teach

“…Over the past 40 years, China has undergone rapid economic growth, resulting in dramatic changes in the eating patterns of Chinese people [1]. China is currently facing challenges in both undernutrition and overnutrition.…”

Importance and share of agribusiness in the Chinese economy (2000–2014)

“…Another general conclusion is that product consumption is becoming more diversified (Yuan et al., 2019). The above changes correspond to what is known in the literature as Bennet's law, which suggests that as their income grows, consumers shift from low-quality food (especially starchy food) to higher-value food products.…”