Overweight, obesity, and food consumption in Galapagos, Ecuador: a window on the world

Abstract Background In order to understand why rates of overweight and obesity are so high in the Ecuadorian province of Galapagos, this study analyzes changes in household food expenditures and perceptions and practices related to food consumption patterns. Galapagos is understood as an unusual but...

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Main Authors: Wilma B. Freire, William F. Waters, Diana Román, Elisa Jiménez, Estefania Burgos, Philippe Belmont
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2018-09-01
Series:Globalization and Health
Subjects:
Online Access:http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12992-018-0409-y
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author Wilma B. Freire
William F. Waters
Diana Román
Elisa Jiménez
Estefania Burgos
Philippe Belmont
author_facet Wilma B. Freire
William F. Waters
Diana Román
Elisa Jiménez
Estefania Burgos
Philippe Belmont
author_sort Wilma B. Freire
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background In order to understand why rates of overweight and obesity are so high in the Ecuadorian province of Galapagos, this study analyzes changes in household food expenditures and perceptions and practices related to food consumption patterns. Galapagos is understood as an unusual but not unique case because conditions there graphically illustrate trends observed in communities and countries worldwide. A mixed methods approach was employed: a quantitative component was based on expenditures for foods classified according to the NOVA system, and a qualitative component utilized focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and structured observations. Results Galapagos residents increased consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods and decreased consumption of unprocessed and minimally processed foods. Perceived barriers to healthy diets include price, availability, and quality of fresh produce, as well as easy access to industrialized processed and ultra-processed foods. Conclusions Changes in consumption patterns represent both local conditions and global trends; in that sense, the factors that affect Galapagos residents are not unique. Hence, these findings help elucidate processes observed in communities around the world.
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spelling doaj.art-fb248d4c91fb40e68e48125f5e6cae752022-12-21T17:44:29ZengBMCGlobalization and Health1744-86032018-09-011411910.1186/s12992-018-0409-yOverweight, obesity, and food consumption in Galapagos, Ecuador: a window on the worldWilma B. Freire0William F. Waters1Diana Román2Elisa Jiménez3Estefania Burgos4Philippe Belmont5Institute for Research in Health and Nutrition, Universidad San Francisco de QuitoInstitute for Research in Health and Nutrition, Universidad San Francisco de QuitoInstitute for Research in Health and Nutrition, Universidad San Francisco de QuitoInstitute for Research in Health and Nutrition, Universidad San Francisco de QuitoInstitute for Research in Health and Nutrition, Universidad San Francisco de QuitoInstitute for Research in Health and Nutrition, Universidad San Francisco de QuitoAbstract Background In order to understand why rates of overweight and obesity are so high in the Ecuadorian province of Galapagos, this study analyzes changes in household food expenditures and perceptions and practices related to food consumption patterns. Galapagos is understood as an unusual but not unique case because conditions there graphically illustrate trends observed in communities and countries worldwide. A mixed methods approach was employed: a quantitative component was based on expenditures for foods classified according to the NOVA system, and a qualitative component utilized focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and structured observations. Results Galapagos residents increased consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods and decreased consumption of unprocessed and minimally processed foods. Perceived barriers to healthy diets include price, availability, and quality of fresh produce, as well as easy access to industrialized processed and ultra-processed foods. Conclusions Changes in consumption patterns represent both local conditions and global trends; in that sense, the factors that affect Galapagos residents are not unique. Hence, these findings help elucidate processes observed in communities around the world.http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12992-018-0409-yDietOverweight and obesityMixed methodsEcuador
spellingShingle Wilma B. Freire
William F. Waters
Diana Román
Elisa Jiménez
Estefania Burgos
Philippe Belmont
Overweight, obesity, and food consumption in Galapagos, Ecuador: a window on the world
Globalization and Health
Diet
Overweight and obesity
Mixed methods
Ecuador
title Overweight, obesity, and food consumption in Galapagos, Ecuador: a window on the world
title_full Overweight, obesity, and food consumption in Galapagos, Ecuador: a window on the world
title_fullStr Overweight, obesity, and food consumption in Galapagos, Ecuador: a window on the world
title_full_unstemmed Overweight, obesity, and food consumption in Galapagos, Ecuador: a window on the world
title_short Overweight, obesity, and food consumption in Galapagos, Ecuador: a window on the world
title_sort overweight obesity and food consumption in galapagos ecuador a window on the world
topic Diet
Overweight and obesity
Mixed methods
Ecuador
url http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12992-018-0409-y
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