Running Head: HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF GLOBALIZATION

Global Issue: Health Implications Of Globalization: nutrition

Shma

A. T. Still University

Foundations of Global Health

April 7 2020
Running Head: HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF GLOBALIZATION

Introduction

In all aspects of life, Globalization is dynamic process and it makes the world around us

becoming interconnected. People have often shared knowledge, traded goods and exchanged

some sort of currency across various frontiers throughout history (Edwards, 2013). All these

aspects have an impact on human health, and people increasingly view it as a composite result of

its ecological, sociocultural, environmental and institutional determinants (Huynen, Martens &

Hilderink, 2005). This has led to new achievements in health. On the positive side, improving

health has become an accepted universal target for all societies as well as develop the health of

disadvantaged populations and the poor (World Health Organisation, 2010). Contrarily, it has a

large influence on food and health choices worldwide such as the availability of fast food. There

are many topics related to the health aspect that has been affected by globalization, the most

important here is the impact on nutrition (Pang & Guindon, 2004). In the ongoing "nutrition

change," in the developing world, intake of high-calorie, nutrient-poor foods rich in fats and

sweeteners is growing, is rooted in the globalization processes (Kennedy, Nantel & Shetty,

2004). Globalization influences the essence of the food supply chain and thereby changes the

amount, quality, price and desirability of products available for consumption (International Food

Policy Research Institute, 2007). Olayiwola et al (2004) pointed that the increased differentiation

brought about by globalization encourages better dietary quality by providing access to dietary

diversity. To further start this essay, globalization refers to how changes in some countries can

an easily have a positive and negative impact in other regions (Olayiwola et al., 2004). So this

essay will discuss both sides of impact globalization have on health, especially, on nutrition.
HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF GLOBALIZATION

Description and Relevance of globalization health

Globalization, by definition, “is the act, process, or policy of making something worldwide

in scope or application” (Houghton Mifflin, 2005, p. 475). It is the expanding reach, the

deepening effect and the acceleration of interregional flows and contact networks in all domains

of cultural social activity (National Geographic Society, 2019). Besides, World Bank (2018)

mentioned the openness to foreign trade would lead to greater integration into the global market

which could, in effect, increase exports, production and revenue. Globalization has an impact on

various elements of the life: international trade, cultural, political, communication, activities and

health as well (García-Dorado, Cornselsen, Smith & Walls, 2019).

There are many research studies that explain globalization, its relationship to health, and its

impact on people's diet. Most important, food environments are evolving, contributing to greater

food supply and variety, but exposure to this food is not uniform in any way and many of these

developments are directly related to urbanization, increasing sales, industry liberalization and

created a more open trading climate (Kennedy et al., 2004). Such as, in Colombia, in the early

1990s, the government initiated a number of measures that abolished duties on imported food

(Kennedy et al., 2004). This effects led to higher imports of products, especially cheap

feedstuffs, which spurred increases in livestock output and foreign direct investment (Kennedy et

al., 2004).

Olayiwola et al., (2004) showed competition over a larger share of food sales continues to

escalate with strong new competitors such as major international fast-food franchises and

grocery chains joining the network while the losers tend to be the few retail traders and

mainstream grocery stores, as well as vendors offering "street goods" and other consumer
HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF GLOBALIZATION

products to some degree. For instance, in Nigeria, two-thirds of people’s daily meals get from

traders and fast food chains (Olayiwola et al., 2004).

The con globalization argument on nutrition

One of the negative sides of globalization on nutrition is the spread of unhealthy foods,

such as the fast foods (Pang & Guindon, 2004). Moreover, research examining the function of

Foreign Direct Investment indicates (FDI) that it could be correlated with the increased intake of

sugar and heavily refined products and, in particular, increased overweight and obesity in low

and middle income countries (García-Dorado, Cornselsen, Smith & Walls, 2019). This, as wealth

rises, people often eating out or just indulging in unhealthy products (i.e., foods that contain

chemical flavors, giving it a good taste and consumers are drawn to consume it) that have

negative health consequences, simply as the contributing to more calories being consumed

(Hawkes, 2006). As a result for that is a poor quality of food is linked to a higher risk of chronic

diseases (Ebrahim, Garcia, Sujudi & Atrash, 2007). In the end, it is showed that incorporating

unhealthy products into diets has contributed to a rise in obesity, cardiovascular diabetes and

other chronic health problems. For instance, South Korea, which has strongly promoted local

foods instead of a western diet, has lower obesity rates than similar countries (Godfray et al.,

2010).

The pro globalization argument on nutrition

The flip side of the impact is that globalization is benefiting millions of people in poor

urban communities, reducing food shortages and sharing of agricultural and production between

countries. As IFPRI (2007) explored, globalization leads to production and export of farm

products, foreign direct investment in food production and distribution, and regional consumer

advertising and promotional activities. On other words, the sharing of farming technologies and
HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF GLOBALIZATION

equipment has allowed the world to feed a largely growing population. Besides, globalization

has created more customer choice and more effective manufacturing processes, helping to fight

for food security and global human health. Globalization played a major role to manage food

prices where the food has been cheaper in actual terms (I advise you to set an example here)

(Godfray et al., 2010).

Conclusion

Throughout this article, globalization is the term used to describe the increasing

interdependence of the world in all aspects. Improving health has been a common aim embraced

by all communities, as well as improving the health of disadvantaged and poor citizens (WHO,

2010). In fact, globalization is a controversial topic whose advantages and disadvantages should

be discussed for people and countries. Although it is brings risks the very nature of our society, it

also brings opportunities, there's no doubt that globalization brings to people a lot of benefits in

the health area including nutrition. Thus, these factors are correlated with possibly advantageous

dietary changes such as improved energy sufficiency and improved plant consumption, but often

appear to encourage possibly unhealthful changes such as increased intakes of edible oils, animal

feeds and caloric sweeteners (Ebrahim et al., 2007). As result, the obesity becomes one of the

biggest problems facing public health.

However, in my opinion, I think that globalization has a significant impact in people’s

health. The positive impact was more than the harm side. Globalization has contributed to

multiple food choices for people, but the choice explains on the desire of the person himself.

Some people prefer eating healthy foods and benefiting from foods transport while others prefer

unhealthy foods. Overall, it will be better if providing an effective opportunistic venue from

which to promote preferences for healthier options. So, the suggestion of this topic, is to make
HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF GLOBALIZATION

people aware of the importance of choosing a proper food, because the culture and awareness of

people are reflected in the nature of the food they eat. Further studies are required utilizing

natural experiments or other techniques for confounding control and bias reduction; especially,

in this topic which was sensitive for many people. It is a complex subject and relates to different

organizations .
HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF GLOBALIZATION

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