Comment: Financial investments can be a fix for unhealthy diets

Recent studies point to an emerging business case for healthier foods which is good news for the health of billions of people, says Greg S Garrett.

Today, poor diets pose a greater risk to mortality and morbidity than the combined effects of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and unsafe sex. The failures of our food system leave around approximately 150 million children under the age of five stunted, several billion deficient in essential vitamins and minerals, and more than two billion people worldwide overweight or obese.

ATNi (Access to Nutrition initiative) and Planet Tracker launched the first-ever global assessment of the materiality of nutrition in 2024.

The report analysed 20 of the largest food manufacturers with total revenues worth $6.6trn (£5.4trn), representing 10% of the global food and beverage market. It compared the healthiness of their food product portfolios with their profits and market valuations.

The results are tantalising but also concerning. First, the report summarised the latest evidence confirming that the macroeconomic case for nutrition is as clear ever. As the October 2024 World Bank investment framework for nutrition tells us, for every dollar spent on nutrition, $23 is returned to society – a return on investmentwhich policymakers need to recognise and drive.