Food Security and Obesity in developing countries

Martina Ďuranová

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The main focus of this thesis is to analyse the paradox, whether there is any correlation between low food security and at the same time high prevalence of obesity using the particular developing countries examples, such as Jordan, representing Middle-East and Mexico, representing Latin America, both meeting the conditions of relatively low food security and high obesity rate. The work is divided into two parts. The theoretical part is firstly devoted to explaining the food security and insecurity, its determinants and pillars. Secondary, the overweight, obesity, its brief history, causes, consequences and measurements are described. Furthermore, the theoretical overview continues with the relationship of food insecurity and prevalence of obesity additionally explained by macro-factors such as income, prices of food, and urbanization. These factors, displayed through the graphs and tables in the practical part provide the detailed information and measures regarding Jordan`s and Mexico`s food security and their prevalence of obesity. Afterwards they are classified and additionally compared to each other in order to confirm the correlations of food security, prevalence of obesity and their macro-level factors. The results are also provided in the final discussion confirming that the food security and the prevalence of obesity are certainly correlated, which is also proved within the mentioned countries, in which some macro-level factors and more and some less correlated. Regarding particular analysis of Jordan`s and Mexico`s food security and the prevalence of obesity, Jordan proves to be in the worse conditions of food security and simultaneously of prevalence of obesity.

Keywords

Analysis, Correlation, Jordan, Food Insecurity, Prevalence of Obesity, Mexico

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 30. 11. 2016

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Ing. Zuzana Smeets Křístková, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Economics and Management

Master programme / field:
Economics and Management / European Agrarian Diplomacy