The Cost of Eating Healthy in Kenya

Abstract

The contribution of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to morbidity and mortality in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) continues to increase, and this at a higher rate than that observed in high-income countries (Alleyne et al., 2013). Many LMICs are experiencing an epidemiological transition, described as a move from a high burden of infectious diseases, to a high prevalence of chronic and degenerative diseases (Gaziano et al., 2010, Gaziano, 2005, Yusuf et al., 2001). This transition is largely as a result of lifestyle changes, including shifts in dietary patterns, physical activity levels, tobacco use, and harmful use of alcohol over time (Bowry et al., 2015, Popkin et al., 2012). Herein, we focus on nutrition transitions and the shifts from more traditional diets to those high in saturated fats, trans-fats, sugar and salt as well as high in processed and refined foods that are low in fiber (Popkin, 2004).