Análisis de la seguridad alimentaria en la provincia de Tungurahua mediante el método de Recordatorio de 24 horas

Abstract

In 2018, 1 out of every 9 people in the world were hungry, 42.5 million in Latin America and the Caribbean. The problems associated with eating habits and malnutrition are alarming in the region. In 2019, 262 million adults were at some level overweight and obese. 4.9 million and 4 million children are stunted and overweight, respectively. Approximately 600,000 adults die each year from causes related to poor nutrition (FAO et al., 2019). In Ecuador, the reality is similar, with the continued increase in overweight and obesity in all ages, in addition to the prevalence of stunting and micronutrient deficiencies. In addition to this problem, the economic impact of malnutrition, which in 2014 reached USD 4,300 million a year, is added (MSP, 2018). Using surveys based on the 24-hour reminder method, a study was carried out in the population of the urban area of Ambato to understand their eating habits and their relationship to levels of food insecurity. The study found that most are at the level of mild insecurity, but their perception of food security does not necessarily place them in the group of good eating habits. That is, despite having the purchasing power to buy food and eat five meals a day, balanced and nutritious diet is not a priority in Ambato families.