This study estimates that the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) caused 2.2 million new cases of type two diabetes and 1.2 million of cardiovascular diseases across 184 countries in 2020 compared to 1990. It found that Latin America and the Caribbean had the highest SSB burden and Sub-Saharan Africa had the largest proportional increases. 

This review explores the potential of combining two significant conceptual frameworks, the food systems approach (FSA) and the One Health approach (OHA), in aiding the management of zoonotic diseases such as COVID-19. Both FSA and OHA take holistic approaches to complex problems, but the authors note they also have blind spots. The researchers seek evidence as to whether the combination of these two approaches could better manage zoonotic disease outbreaks in the future. They conclude noting that the integration of One Health and food system approaches may help overcome challenges of operationalizing One Health and lack of inclusion of health issues and zoonotic diseases in food systems. 

A recent study has reviewed the main determinants of obesity and discussed how they impact obesity rates in Latin America. The review identifies eight determinants of obesity; physical environment, food exposure, economic and political interest, social inequality, limited access to scientific knowledge, culture, contextual behaviour and genetics. The authors analyse these determinants in the context of Latin America to provide evidence and guidance for public policy and strategy aimed at understanding and slowing the growth rate of obesity. 

Millions of Americans are at risk of food insecurity despite decades of on-going efforts to combat the issue. This book, designed as a reference handbook, delves into the historical drivers of food insecurity and presents a diverse range of voices from those who are tackling this persistent crisis. 

The Food Systems Countdown Initiative (FSCI) framework was released which seeks to monitor global food systems transformations following the UN global development, health and sustainability goals. The framework is designed to support policymakers, advisors, private sector actors and civil society actors monitoring food systems worldwide. 

This report was released by the FAO during COP28 in December of 2023 and details a global road map to agri-food systems transformation through climate action whilst achieving food security and nutrition.