The global confluence of changing diets, increased food marketing, access to technology, and lifestyle changes has led to an upsurge in global obesity, especially in developing countries. According to Barry M. Popkin, professor of nutrition at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and director of the Interdisciplinary Center for Obesity, 1.3 billion people are overweight while 800 million are underweight. On Dec. 10, Popkin discussed rising obesity worldwide and his new book, The World Is Fat, at a PRB Policy Seminar. |
Making the Case for U.S. International Family Planning AssistanceInternational public health assistance and policy have often overlooked family planning programs in recent years. But now is the time for increased investment, according to Making the Case for U.S. Family International Family Planning Assistance. Steven Sinding, senior scholar at the Guttmacher Institute, spoke to PRB about the hoped-for impact of this new report. |
PRB Discuss Online, Jan. 22, 1-2 p.m. Each year, an estimated 9 million infants are born with a serious birth defect, with especially severe effects on children in developing countries. Join in the discussion: "Birth Defects: A Hidden Toll in Developing Countries," with Dr. Arnold Christianson, head of the Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. You may submit questions in advance. |