Mediterranean food consumption patterns and health: Diet, environment, society, economy

Diet, environment, society, economy and health Food and agriculture organization oF the united nations international centre For advanced mediterranean agronomic studies rome, 2015 ii the designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and agriculture organization of the united nations (Fao) concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. the mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by Fao in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. the views expressed in this information product are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of Fao. Fao encourages the use, reproduction and dissemination of material in this information product. except where otherwise indicated, material may be copied, downloaded and printed for private study, research and teaching purposes, or for use in non-commercial products or services, provided that appropriate acknowledgement of Fao as the source and copyright holder is given and that Fao's endorsement of users' views, products or services is not implied in any way. all requests for translation and adaptation rights, and for resale and other commercial use rights should be made via iii Contents Acknowledgements v Acronyms and abbreviations list vii Key messages ix Summary xi 1. Objectives of the white paper 1 2. Rationale 3 3. Analysis of problems and assessment indicators 13 3.1 Problem analysis 13 3.1.1 nutrition and health: malnutrition and decline of the adherence to the mediterranean diet pattern 13 3.1.2 economy: population growth, urbanization, food prices, food waste 15 3.1.3 environment: water scarcity, climate change and biodiversity loss 16 3.1.4 socio-cultural factors: homogenization of lifestyles and erosion of the mediterranean diet cultural heritage 18