In the face of growing challenges posed by unhealthy diets, malnutrition, and environmental constraints, the 2024 Global Food Policy Report (GFPR) released by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) underscores the importance of transforming global food systems to ensure sustainable healthy diets for all.

Progress in reducing undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies has slowed in low- and middle-income countries, while overweight and obesity have rapidly increased worldwide. Many countries are facing a double burden of malnutrition, with undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies coexisting with overweight, obesity, or diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). There is a pressing need for food systems to undergo transformation to reduce their considerable environmental impact.

To meet global development goals on diets and nutrition, innovative research across the food system is needed to inform large-scale equitable impacts. The priorities for research and action center on making sustainable healthy diets aspirational, affordable, and accessible for all.

The 2024 GFPR: Food Systems for Healthy Diets and Nutrition, co-authored by 41 researchers representing IFPRI and partner organizations, calls for urgent efforts to transform global food systems for equitable access to sustainable healthy diets. Improving diets globally is crucial, requiring addressing multiple issues across food systems to achieve sustainable changes in diets, nutrition, and health outcomes.

Poor quality diets are identified as the leading cause of disease worldwide, with potential to save lives by improving diets. Prioritizing diet improvement is crucial for addressing malnutrition and diet-related NCDs. The report emphasizes the need for sustainable healthy diets and provides evidence-based recommendations to make these diets more desirable, affordable, accessible, and available while considering environmental impacts.