Malnutrition in poorer nations costs firms up to $850 bln: studyThe pandemic is increasing the number of people at risk of acute hungerPARIS - Hunger, poor nutrition and obesity not only present a health burden in developing countries but carry a hidden economic penalty that costs businesses up to $850 billion a year, according to a new report published Wednesday. "We show that the costs and risks are significant and that it is in the interests of businesses to take action." In developing nations where the prevalence of malnutrition is high, researchers estimated that the direct costs of productivity loss would total between $130 billion and $850 billion a year. According to the 2020 Global Nutrition Report, around one in nine people globally are hungry or undernourished, while one in three people are overweight or obese. The report stressed that action to tackle malnutrition is in businesses' best interests.

Source: Bangkok Post July 07, 2020 23:26 UTC