Abstract: The label ‘diseases of affluence’ for chronic diseases is a misnomer as they surface in poorer countries as well as in the poorer population groups in richer countries. On a global basis, 60% of the burden of chronic diseases exists in developing countries. This shift in the pattern of disease is taking place at a rapid rate, and demands immediate and effective action. Unfortunately, modern dietary patterns and physical inactivity patterns are risk behaviours that travel across countries and are transferable from one population to another like an infectious disease, affecting disease patterns globally. In Africa, the problem of obesity is emerging at a time when undernutrition remains a significant problem. Strategies that take account of both these important nutritional problems will need to be developed, particularly when dealing with children whose growth may be stunted. Africans need to analyse the impact that globalisation and rapid socio-economic transition have on nutrition and to identify the main political, socio-economic, cultural and physical factors which promote obesogenic environments. There are opportunities for countries with developing economies to effectively lift the double burden of disease through an integrated approach employing a range of policies and interventions to combat such public health nutrition problems.
