According to the findings of the National Nutrition Survey 2019 - 2020, malnutrition in Vietnam currently stands at 19.6%, below the 20% threshold set by the WHO. However, a more pressing issue is the rapid increase in overnutrition leading to overweight and obesity in Vietnam over the past 10 years.Similarly, based on the aforementioned nutrition survey, the consumption of fruits and vegetables has increased moderately over the past year, reaching only about 66.4% - 77.4% of the recommended dietary intake for adults. Meat consumption has increased by more than 1.5 times, from 84g per person per day in 2010 to 136.4g per person per day in 2020, with urban areas consuming more. Conversely, rice consumption is on a downward trend. When it comes to the urban-rural disparity in fast food consumption, urban schools show a higher increase compared to rural areas.
Optimal nutritional towers for childrenThe prevalence of malnutrition among school-aged children (5 - 19 years old) is now at 14.8%, compared to 23.4% in 2010. The most concerning issue is the increase in overweight and obesity rates from 8.5% in 2010 to 19% in 2020, with urban areas showing the highest prevalence at 26.8% (more than 3 times higher) compared to 18.3% in rural areas and 6.9% in mountainous regions.The disparity between groups is evident and attributed to the higher standard of living and lifestyle in urban areas. Not to mention the growing trend of fast food consumption among young people, despite the knowledge that these foods are not nutritionally beneficial and contain harmful substances such as excessive fats, sugars, salt, cholesterol, triglycerides, and food additives.
