Nutrition transition in Perú, 1991 - 2005

Abstract

Nutrition transition is a process including changes in the nutritional profile of populations. Many developing countries, including Peru, are in transition. Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the variation of the nutritional profile of Peruvian children, mothers in reproductive age and families between 1991 and 2005. Material and methods: using available information from databases from Peruvian Health and Demographic National Surveys, between 1991 and 2005, we described the prevalence of malnutrition in Peruvian children less than 5 years of age, mothers in reproductive age, and families, at the national, regional, and socioeconomic level, and by residence area (urban/rural). Results: Stunting in children has been high and constant since 1996. Overweight in children has increased, mainly in Lima and the Coast. Overweight and obesity are the main nutritional problems of mothers in reproductive age, which have increased in Lima and the Coast. Coexistence of child stunting and maternal obesity at the family level has been low and without specific trend. Conclusions: The Peruvian nutritional profile is in transition. The main components are the high prevalence of stunting in children and the increase of maternal overweight and obesity. This findings show that Peruvian population is posed at a high risk of developing diseases related to both extremes of nutrition.