Trends in food supply, diet, and the risk of non-communicable diseases in three Small Island Developing States: implications for policy and research

Introduction Small island developing states (SIDS) are a diverse group of coastal and tropical countries primarily located in the Caribbean Pacific. SIDS share unique social, economic, environmental vulnerabilities, high dependency on food imports, susceptibility to inadequate, unhealthy diets, with burdens two or more types malnutrition. Our objective was examine trends availability, local production, risks non-communicable diseases (NCDs) three SIDS: Haiti, Saint Vincent Grenadines (SVG) Fiji. Methods Data exports, production extracted from Food Agriculture Organization Database (FAOSTAT), overweight, obesity diabetes prevalence NCD Risk Factor Collaboration database (NCD-RisC) 1980 2018. were collated, graphed, used calculate import ratios (IDRs) using Excel R software. Results Between 2018, availability calories per capita day has risen Fiji SVG by over 500, around 3000. In increase is 200, level 2,200 all settings, > 10% 2018 came sugar. fruit vegetables <400 g person (the minimum intake recommended WHO). 2010, both experienced IDRs: 80% (Fiji) 65% (SVG). IDR than doubled since 1980, 30%. The (BMI 30 Kg/m 2 ) increased (by 126% 800%) substantially higher women. most recent data for Fiji, an estimated 35% women obese (24% men); SVG, 30% (15% 26% men). Conclusion calories, which taken place concurrent IDR, loss food, increases prevalence. These findings highlight importance further research understand drivers supply transformations, influence improving nutrition, through consumption nutritious foods.