Global Food Consumption Forecast to Increase by End of Century

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Demand for food might increase by almost 80% in 2100 as the global population continues to grow and people become taller and larger, a new study has found. Experts from the University of Göttingen / ˈgœt ɪŋ ən / expect a marked increase in global food consumption by the end of the century. The researchers said that 60% of this rise will mainly result from the steady growth of the population. The remaining 20% will be caused by the increase in people’s body mass index (BMI)—a measurement that indicates whether a person’s weight is proportional to his or her height. This study is the first one to look into the possible effects of increasing height and BMI on global food demand. The data were from recorded increases in height and weight of people in Mexico and the Netherlands. According to the researchers, figures from these two countries provide a realistic picture and can be used as a benchmark for BMI changes around the world. The increase in BMI is expected in more developed countries. However, the average BMI in low-income countries is also reportedly rising because of the increase in cheap food high in calories but low in nutrition. The study suggests that food demand will particularly affect some countries in Africa that have fast-growing populations but weak economies. Because of this, the researchers say that a more pressing concern is ensuring that food will be accessible to everyone in the world. This will require policies that can improve food production and access, especially in the most vulnerable regions.