Dietary acculturation and the nutrition transition: an overview

This article provides an overview of the phenomena of dietary acculturation and the nutrition transition. The term dietary acculturation is defined, and a proposed model for how dietary acculturation occurs is presented. Various approaches to assessing dietary acculturation in research studies are discussed, and a research-driven discussion of the possible consequences of dietary acculturation on diet and health is presented. The concept of the nutrition transition and the importance of understanding this phenomenon are presented. Specifically, the term nutrition transition is defined, highlighting characteristic dietary changes, as well as shifts in physical activity and obesity trends. The paradox of continued high rates of malnutrition in developing countries and a new emergence of dietary excess, sedentary behavior, obesity, and other chronic diseases in middle- and upper-class persons in these countries will also be addressed. The article concludes with suggestions for future research in the areas of dietary acculturation and the nutrition transition.