Dr. Wang Authors Article on Obesity

Dr. Liang Wang, Associate Professor, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, has co-authored an article in Obesity Reviews. The article, “Changes in patterns of the double burden of undernutrition and overnutrition in Nepal over time”, includes information from experts from China, Nepal, and Australia.

Knowledge regarding nutrition transition in Nepal remains limited. This systematic review examined the shifts in undernutrition and overnutrition in Nepal during the past two decades.

Overall, available nationally representative data remained limited. The Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2001 to 2016 showed that underweight prevalence decreased from 26.7% to 17.2% and prevalence of overweight/obesity increased from 6.5% to 22.1% among women of reproductive age. In preschool children, prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight decreased significantly. Prevalence of overweight/obesity was low among children and was higher in higher socio-economic status groups.

The overweight-obesity/underweight ratios indicate a shift from undernutrition to overnutrition problem; it was more evident in urban areas and groups with higher socioeconomic statuses. In conclusion, Nepal is experiencing a nutrition transition. More research is necessary to address this shift, and well-tailored public health efforts need to combat the double burden of overweight/obesity and undernutrition.

Obesity Reviews is the official reviews journal of the World Obesity Federation, which links over 50 regional and national associations with over 10,000 professional members. This monthly journal publishes reviews on all disciplines related to obesity and its comorbidities, including basic and behavioral sciences, clinical treatment and outcomes, epidemiology, prevention and public health. As one of the top journals in the field, its current impact factor is 8.192.