Nutrition is a key driver of health. Poor nutrition can lead to health problems such as development and growth problems in children, child and adult obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or even early death. Economic factors also play a fundamental role as incomes and food prices can affect nutritional choices and health.
Nutrition has been a key focus of academic research and public policy since at least the 19th century. A great deal of research exists exploring these factors seeking to understand how these factors inter-relate and also seeking to understand how public policy affects health and how public policy can best make use of scientific knowledge to improve health and health related outcomes.
This mini-conference brings together public health and nutrition specialists, academics, and civil servants to discuss recent research and public policy issues related to nutrition, economics and health. Topics to be discussed include childhood obesity, food safety, consumer demand for nutrients and the impact of public policies such as tax interventions.