The general objective was to explore the nutritional condition of schoolchildren, based on certain body measurements published in various reports (from 1934 to 1965). More specifically, we intended to analyse, first, the secular trend of growth by comparing historical anthropometric data with current national and international figures and, second, to study the possible variability of body measurements at that time among different Spanish regions and of different socioeconomical levels.

Based on these reports, a sample of individuals of both sexes, between 6 and 16 years of age, was selected. Average weight and height were calculated for each age and sex, and the BMI was determined for all series. The data of these series were compared first with each other and then, using the z-score method, with reference tables published by the WHO and by a current Spanish reference.

Seven Spanish historical series, from 1934 to 1965.

114 880 individuals aged 6 to 16 years (59 786 boys and 55 094 girls).

Almost all the historical populations assessed show chronic undernutrition and underweight, strongly influenced by socioeconomic status. On the other hand, nutritional status appears almost independent of rural or urban environment.

In the series analysed, various states of chronic undernutrition and underweight were present, mainly in schoolchildren from the most disadvantaged social groups. The secular trend in height and weight occurred in times after the beginning of Franco’s developmentalism.

In a world under a triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, this study aimed to evaluate the types, features and impacts of environmental sustainability and social responsibility food labels on consumers’ choices and purchasing decisions.

A systematic review encompassing three electronic databases was conducted. The initial search was conducted in May 2022 and updated in July 2025, identifying 364 studies. After screening, forty-one studies were included. Data were extracted using a standardised form and analysed by topic.

Studies included were conducted in various consumer and market settings, primarily focusing on packaged food products.

The studies represented a range of consumers across demographic and geographic contexts, but mostly focused on Western Europe, the US and other high-income countries.

Most studies were experimental (‘choice experiments’) and evaluated purchasing intentions. Environmental sustainability labels generally elicit positive consumer responses, with high preferences for organic and animal welfare claims. Consumers often desire additional information to better understand label meanings. While some evidence supports the influence of environmental sustainability labels on consumer choices, their impact on actual purchasing behaviour remains mixed. Research on social responsibility labels is notably limited.

There is insufficient evidence to determine the real-world impacts of environmental sustainability and social responsibility labels on food choices. Future studies could focus on purchasing behaviours in real-life consumer interactions with labels, the impacts of the exposure to varying levels of information and a potential integration of domains. Given pressing social and environmental challenges, integrative strategies are required to develop labels that effectively guide consumers toward healthier, sustainable, and socially responsible food options.

Food brand marketing is one of the techniques used by the food industry to create positive images and enhance brand recall among children. The objectives of this study were to assess food and beverage brand recall and to examine the sociodemographic characteristics associated with food brand recall, as well as the purchasing and consumption of branded foods among Thai children.

Cross-sectional analysis of secondary data from the 2024 Monitoring on Food and Beverage Marketing to Children in Thailand survey. A validated and reliable questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise sociodemographic characteristics, food and beverage brand recall, and purchasing behaviours. Associations between brand recall and purchasing behaviours were examined using multivariable logistic regression models.

Eleven provinces across Thailand.

A total of 2113 children aged 10–18 years.

Nearly 40 % of children recalled sweetened beverage brands, while 35 % recalled snack brands. Food and beverage brand recall was statistically associated with purchasing and consumption of branded foods across several product categories after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics.

Food and beverage brand recall was commonly reported among Thai children and showed statistically significant associations with purchasing and consumption behaviours. These findings contribute to the evidence base on food marketing exposure among children in Thailand.

The objective of this study was to develop, implement and refine a food environment survey to capture people’s perceptions of their food environments in low-and middle-income countries: the Food Environment Perceptions Survey (FEPS).

Identifying aspects of food environment to include drawing from existing survey instruments, a Delphi survey with food environment experts working globally, workshops with local experts in India and Cambodia, cognitive testing of the survey items and piloting the tools in diverse field settings in India and Cambodia.

Rural, peri-urban and urban communities in India and Cambodia.

Global food environment experts for the Delphi survey, food environment experts in India and Cambodia for workshops and a convenience sample of participants in India (n 44) and Cambodia (n 60) for FEPS piloting.

The FEPS underwent many iterations prior to piloting. The initial versions of the survey were long, leading us to remove questions and reconfigure the survey to streamline it. The workshop participants rated the revised survey versions relatively favourably. The final survey consists of 109 questions covering six sections: accessibility and availability (forty-eight questions); affordability (five questions), convenience (seventeen questions); quality and safety (three questions); information, promotion and labelling (sixteen questions); and an optional sustainability section (twenty questions). Based on pilot data, we found significant differences in how participants interacted with different food environment types across rural, peri-urban and urban transects.

The finalised FEPS is a newly developed survey instrument that can be incorporated by other researchers to characterise diverse perceptions of food environments in low-and middle-income countries.

The childhood Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) effectively identifies multiple anthropometric deficits among under-five children. This study aimed to analyse undernutrition among under-five children, as measured by childhood CIAF, to evaluate trends, determinants and disparities in Bangladesh between 2007 and 2022.

The study utilised data from five rounds of the nationally representative cross-sectional Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) conducted in 2007, 2011, 2014, 2017–2018 and 2022. The CIAF was estimated using six mutually exclusive anthropometric failure categories in accordance with the WHO child growth standards. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to explore determinants of CIAF. The concentration index and concentration curve were used to assess the changes in inequity.

Bangladesh.

32 096 under-five children.

The prevalence of childhood CIAF declined significantly from 56 % (95 % CI: 55, 58) in 2007 to 35 % (95 % CI: 33, 36) in 2022. The significant reduction in ‘stunting and underweight’ from 23 % (95 % CI: 22, 24) in 2007 to 11 % (95 % CI: 10, 12) in 2022 was a major contributor to the decrease in childhood CIAF. Child age, household socio-economic status (SES) and mother’s education were significant determinants of childhood CIAF across all study periods. Negative concentration indices for SES, residence and mother’s and father’s education indicate pro-poor inequality in childhood CIAF, which declined from 2007 to 2022.

Despite significant progress, disparities in childhood CIAF across SES, residence and parental education persist in Bangladesh. Targeted policy interventions are crucial to mitigating childhood undernutrition and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2.2.

This study used the trials of improved practices (TIPs) approach to explore complementary feeding practices among caregivers of children under two and assess the acceptance of new nutritional supplements by providing microbiota-directed supplementary food (MDSF), ready-to-use supplementary food (RUSF) and locally available food (LAF) among moderately malnourished children.

The study was conducted between May and October 2022 in preparation for a larger trial. The first phase focused on complementary feeding, hygiene, breast-feeding and responsive feeding practices using in-depth interviews and observations. The second phase involved counselling sessions and providing food supplements for forty-five participants. Follow-up visits evaluated acceptability and challenges faced during this period.

Bauniabadh slum, Mirpur, Dhaka.

Sixty-five children aged 6–24 months with moderate wasting and their caregivers.

Findings from IDI and observations revealed poor handwashing practices, with most caregivers washing only with water, and inconsistent use of soap. Only a minority boiled drinking water or cleaned utensils with soap. Responsive feeding practices were also limited, with frequent mobile phone use during feeding and lack of attention to the child. Among the three food interventions, LAF received the highest hedonic ratings across all sensory attributes, with a mean taste score of 5·7±1·4, compared with MDSF (4·8±1·9) and RUSF (4·7±1·6), although median consumption was similar across all supplements (75%).

The TIPs approach identified context-specific caregiver behaviours and feeding preferences. These findings will guide the upcoming trial and assist policymakers and program planners in developing culturally tailored interventions to address childhood malnutrition in urban slums.

The Canadian Ultra-Processed Product Screener (CUPS) was developed to rapidly assess ultra-processed food (UPF) and drink product intake among Canadian adults. The CUPS is an online self-administered screener that includes twenty-eight questions and assesses the intake of a variety of UPF available in Canada, both in French and English. This study aimed to assess the construct validity and reliability of the CUPS among a sample of adults in Canada.

Cross-sectional study (between July and November 2023).

Participants completed the online CUPS screener in three versions (1-d (twice), 7-d and 30-d CUPS) and three 24-h dietary recalls (24HR) (the reference measure) over the course of 26–28 d.

354 Canadians aged 18–60 years

The CUPS had an acceptable construct validity, with moderate correlation coefficients between the CUPS score and UPF consumption level measured using multiple 24HR (from 0·33 to 0·44). Reproducibility was also acceptable (intraclass correlation = 0·61) and internal consistency ranged from good to excellent (Cronbach’s α = 0·72 for the 1-d and 0·86 for the 30-d CUPS). CUPS scores were also associated with higher intake of added sugars, saturated fats and Na.

This study provides evidence supporting the construct validity and reliability of the CUPS among Canadian adults. The CUPS is useful for identifying low and high consumers of UPF and could serve as a proxy measure for one key dimension of diet quality, which is the type of food processing.

To determine the minimum cost and affordability of three levels of diet quality in urban households in Cali, Colombia: a caloric-adequate diet, a nutrient-adequate diet and a recommended diet.

Least-cost diets were estimated for different demographic groups. The cost of caloric adequacy (CoCA) and the cost of nutrient adequacy (CoNA) were computed using linear programming models. The cost of recommended diet (CoRD) adheres to Colombia’s Food-Based Dietary Guidelines. Individualised costs were aggregated for a representative household, and affordability was assessed by comparing these costs with household food expenditures. Data sources included the National Administrative Department of Statistics, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and the Colombia Institute of Family Welfare.

Cali, Colombia.

The per capita income and food expenditures of 885 urban households in Cali, taken from Colombia’s Great Integrated Household Survey.

The CoNA per 1000 kcal indicates that women require more nutrient-dense diets than men. Limiting nutrients include vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B12 and Ca. Three food groups: (1) meat, eggs, legumes, nuts and seeds; (2) milk and dairy products and (3) vegetables and fruits – account for about 70 % of the CoRD. The affordability analysis shows that 42·66 % of households in the 10th income percentile cannot afford the CoCA, none below the 20th percentile can afford the CoNA and only those above the 40th percentile can afford the CoRD.

Urban households face significant barriers not only to affording diets that promote long-term health but also to those that meet nutritional requirements.

Child hunger is a significant global health concern prioritised by multiple global public health organisations. In 2006, the US Committee on National Statistics (CNSTAT) highlighted the need for clarity and consistency in the operationalisation and measurement of child hunger. This review examines whether these recommendations have been implemented in child nutrition programming over the past two decades. In addition, we explore how child hunger is currently conceptualised and measured across different contexts.

We conducted a pre-registered rapid review of studies that define or measure ‘child hunger’. Six electronic databases (Web of Science, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Social Science Database and ERIC) and websites of twenty public health organisations were searched for reports that mentioned the term ‘child hunger’ or ‘child’ near ‘hunger’ published after 2006.

There were no restrictions on study settings.

Studies focusing on children under the age of 18 years were included.

Sixty-seven articles measured child hunger and were therefore eligible for inclusion. Of these, only twenty-three provided a definition of child hunger. Definitions commonly described child hunger as a consequence of or as a subcategory of household ‘food insecurity’. Most scales used in the included studies examined the quantity or amount of food intake by children, while few measures also assessed the quality of food consumed. The physiological dimension of hunger was not measured by any of the questionnaires.

The findings underscore the need for more comprehensive and standardised approaches that account for the multidimensional nature of child hunger.

To examine the Indigenous Nourishment Scales (INS), a set of community-developed strengths-based measures of nourishment, for psychometric validity and reliability through community-based research with two urban American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities.

Cross-sectional survey of health measures and INS. Descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), correlation analysis and regression were used to determine the psychometric properties of the INS and their relationship with Physical (Fruit and Vegetable Intake), Spiritual (Spiritual Well-being), Emotional (Emotional Well-being) and Relational (Social Well-being) health outcomes.

Two urban cities in the USA.

249 urban AI/AN adults.

EFA revealed two unidimensional scales (Connectedness to Food; Indigenous Food Identity) and one two-factor scale (Access to and Participation in Indigenous Foodways). The INS demonstrated strong internal consistency reliability and convergent construct validity as evidenced by their association with fruit and vegetable intake and other related concepts. Regression models showed that Access to Indigenous Foodways and Participation in Indigenous Foodways were significantly and positively associated with all four domains of well-being. Food Connectedness was positively and significantly associated with spiritual, emotional and relational well-being, while Indigenous Food Identity was positively and significantly associated with spiritual and emotional well-being.

Positive associations between scale scores and multiple domains of well-being indicate the potential relevance of Indigenous nourishment as a meaningful determinant of health. By establishing the psychometric validity of community-developed measures, this study offers a pathway for Indigenizing assessments of nutrition and well-being among AI/AN peoples.

This study aimed to examine how food processing is addressed within indices/tools used to assess healthy and sustainable diets.

A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR protocol. Peer-reviewed studies developing or applying indices/tools for assessing sustainable diets were included. Two independent reviewers performed the selection, with disagreements resolved by discussion, and, when necessary, a third reviewer was consulted to reach a consensus.

The review included studies published in English, Portuguese or Spanish, without time restrictions and indexed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and SciELO databases.

A total of fifty-seven studies about sustainable diets were analysed.

Most studies showed significant gaps in addressing food processing and other food system components when assessing sustainable diets. The majority of studies were conducted in recent years and primarily in high-income countries, and while environmental and health dimensions of sustainability are widely explored, economic and sociocultural dimensions remain underrepresented.

The assessment of diet sustainability remains incomplete without accounting for the role of food processing and the broader food system. There is a need for comprehensive methodologies that integrate all sustainability dimensions while also considering local contexts, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

In response to increasing hypertension rates, South Africa implemented a regulation which set a maximum total Na content for certain packaged food categories. We assess changes in reported Na intake among 18–39 years old adults living in one township in the Western Cape as a result of the implementation of the regulation in 2016.

By linking one set of 24-h dietary recall data to two versions of the South Africa Food Composition Database which reflect the pre-regulation and post-regulation periods, we calculated changes in Na intake due to reformulation of food products, not behaviour change. We statistically tested differences in mean consumption in this sample with paired t tests.

Langa, Western Cape, South Africa

Surveyed participants were residents of Langa between 18 and 39 years old (n 2148)

Before and after the implementation of the regulation, there was a statistically significant decrease in the estimated Na intake among adults of 189·4 mg (137·5, 241·4; P = 0·00). Reported Na from cured meat (such as Russians) and certain types of soup powder, cereals and salted peanuts had a 9 to 33 per cent lower calculated Na consumption.

Our conclusions show that independent of any behavioural changes on the part of consumers, it is possible to lower Na intake by using regulations to induce food manufacturers to lower the Na levels in their products. As countries explore similar regulatory strategies, this work can add to that body of evidence to inform policies to improve the food system.

This study aimed to assess the frequency of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) in Brazilian food products and beverages before the implementation of new nutritional labelling legislation. Specifically, we aimed to determine the eligibility of these products to contain NSS according to RDC no. 18/2008, which governed the use of NSS in Brazil during the study period.

Data were collected from 3335 packaged foods and beverages available in one of Brazil’s top ten supermarket chains, six months following the publication of front-of-package nutrition labelling (FoPNL) and 19 months before the legislation came into force.

The study was conducted in the city of Belo Horizonte, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Our analysis revealed that NSS were present in 12·5 % of the sampled products. Notably, high frequencies of NSS were observed in powder dessert mixes and soya drinks (100 %), gelatin preparations (88·1 %), chewing gum (87·1 %), tea (84·6 %) and carbonated beverages (71·4 %). Furthermore, we found that 82 % of products containing NSS made claims regarding sugar and calorie reduction, with 16·6 % of these claims being inconspicuous. Additionally, 14 % of products targeted controlled sugar intake diets, 0·5 % aimed at sugar-restricted diets and 4 % were ineligible for NSS use. Importantly, the declared NSS content adhered to Brazilian regulatory limits in beverages.

While most products complied with regulatory standards, our findings highlight the presence of ineligible products and less prominent claims, which may complicate NSS identification for consumers. Continuous monitoring of NSS frequency, especially following the implementation of FoPNL, is essential for ensuring compliance with regulations and promoting informed consumer choices in Brazil.

To monitor the influence of international trade and investment agreements (TIA) on the food environment and population nutrition in Canada.

Implementation of a revised version of the International Network for Food and Obesity/Non-communicable Diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support (INFORMAS) trade and investment monitoring protocol to guide descriptive analysis of quantitative trade and investment data over the period 1994 to 2021/22 as well as qualitative review of policy documents related to nutrition regulations and trade concerns.

Canada, which has fifteen TIA in force with fifty-one countries as of 2024.

Extensive tariff reductions occurred in 1995 with the introduction of the World Trade Organization (WTO), with minimal tariff reductions since that time. Tariff rates were generally highest on ultra-processed focus foods, though many countries gained tariff-free access over the study period. There were large surges in imports of dairy products, meats, sugars and soft drinks after joining the WTO, while exports of grains, dairy products, sugars, processed meats, ready-to-eat meals and sauces saw substantial growth. Foreign direct investment into Canada’s food manufacturing sector increased consistently, reaching $32·6 billion in 2020–2022. Canada has raised several specific trade concerns at the WTO over other countries’ nutrition labelling policies, and some of the challenged policies have subsequently been abandoned, modified or delayed.

Increased trade and investment openness in Canada appears linked to changes in food imports, exports and foreign investment that may impact the nutritional quality of food environments. Monitoring how trade agreements shape national food supplies is critical to developing trade policies that improve nutrition in alignment with public health goals at home and abroad.

The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) and physical activity (PA) can enhance mood and support psychological wellbeing in adults. However, the combined effect is relatively unknown. MedWalk aimed to determine the combined effect on wellbeing, psychological health and quality of life (QoL), compared to a control group.

This is an analysis of secondary outcomes from the MedWalk 12-month cluster-randomised controlled trial. Participants completed the Total and Secure Flourishing Index (FI), the four domain General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and the 8-domain Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL-8D). Data were analysed using general linear models using change scores (FI and AQoL-8D) or generalised linear mixed models with a time × group interaction effect (GHQ-28).

Independent living facilities across South Australia and Victoria in 2021–2022.

One hundred and sixty-one older men and women.

Participants were 74·9 ± 5·9 years of age and predominantly female (74 %). A greater improvement was found for the MedWalk group (marginal means (MM) = 1·65, se = 1·36) than the control group (MM = –2·50, se = 1·32) for the Total Flourish score (P = 0·003) and Secure Flourish score (P = 0·009) ((MM = 1·06, se = 1·65) v. (MM = –3·34, se = 1·61)) from baseline to 6 months. The MedWalk group (MM = 0·021, se = 0·014) had more positive changes (P = 0·048) to the Mental Health AQoL-8D domain than the control group (MM = –0·007, se = 0·014). No significant group × time interactions were identified for the GHQ-28.

Combined MedDiet and walking interventions can modify psychological health, wellbeing and QoL in relatively healthy populations.

Large inequalities in fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC) persist, yet it remains unclear how intersecting factors such as socio-economic status, ethnicity and sex influence FVC in the UK. Using an intersectional framework allows us to explore complex realities and double burdens faced by certain population groups.

Cross-sectional data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study Wave 9 (2017–2018) were analyzed. FVC was measured as a binary variable, indicating whether individuals met the recommended five daily portions of fruits and vegetables (400 grams in total). An intersectional Multilevel Analysis of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminatory Accuracy was used, nesting participants into forty-eight social strata based on sex, ethnicity, age and educational level.

United Kingdom.

A total of 16 275 individuals from the UK Household Longitudinal Study sample were included, with one adult randomly selected per household.

Overall, 69·2 % of the sample did not meet the recommended daily FVC. Inequalities were predominantly explained by additive effects of sex, ethnicity, age and educational level. Men, individuals with lower educational levels, ethnic minority groups and younger participants were at higher risk of insufficient FVC, particularly those experiencing combinations of these factors.

Low FVC across the population, combined with strong additive effects of social determinants, underscore the need for proportionate universal interventions. Policies targeting improved access to fruits and vegetables across all neighbourhoods, especially those predominantly inhabited by individuals with lower educational levels, are warranted to reduce these inequalities.

To analyse food and nutrition labelling policies in Mongolia, with the aim to identify key facilitators and barriers in the policy process and to propose priority actions to address these challenges.

A qualitative study utilising semi-structured individual interviews explored opinions and views of policy stakeholders on Mongolian food and nutrition labelling policies.

Ulaanbaatar city, Mongolia

Eighteen policy stakeholders, including government officials, representatives of consumer organisations and food producers.

Food labelling regulations in Mongolia were developed as part of broader reforms of the food system control to respond to changes related to the country’s transition to a market economy. Government leadership, along with technical support from international agencies, facilitated the development of these regulations. Key barriers identified in policy development were industry opposition, lack of consumer engagement, disruptions from government changes and funding shortages. Policy implementation was hindered by delays in operational regulations, inadequate infrastructure and limited knowledge and funding.

To date, the development and implementation of food and nutrition labelling policies in Mongolia have been limited and insufficient. Given the health and nutritional impacts of the nutrition transition, prioritising nutrition labelling policies is essential and should emphasise consumer needs. Key actions should include the establishment of clear regulations, active stakeholder engagement, well-resourced implementation, capacity building among regulators and producers, and consumer education.