Hidden Nutritional Deficiencies in Urban Diets across Pakistan

Abstract

Urbanization in Pakistan has led to a significant shift in dietary patterns, resulting in hidden nutritional deficiencies, especially among adolescents. The urban diet is characterized by increased consumption of fats, sugars, and processed foods, alongside a reduced intake of fiber, carbohydrates, and essential micronutrients. This dietary imbalance exacerbates malnutrition, with widespread stunting and micronutrient deficiencies observed across urban populations. Vulnerable groups, such as female adolescents and pregnant women, face heightened risks, including anemia and inadequate nutrient intake.

This letter emphasizes the urgent need for community-level interventions to combat hidden nutritional deficiencies in urban diets. Proposed strategies include nutrition education sessions, food fortification, promotion of urban gardening, targeted interventions for women, policy reforms to regulate processed food content, and partnerships with local food vendors to encourage healthier options. These initiatives aim to improve dietary diversity, ensure better health outcomes, and address the dual burden of undernutrition and rising obesity in urban Pakistan.