Metabolic Food Waste as Food Insecurity Factor—Causes and Preventions

Abstract

The Metabolic Food Waste MFW (kg of food) first developed in 2016 as a new indicator by Serafini and Toti, indicates the amount of food consumed above the nutritional requirements, and the impact of this overconsumption on the environment. It is necessary to identify the causes and to develop potential methods to prevent and reduce MFW, at the same time as increasing consumer awareness about unsustainable diets and changing diet habits towards more environmentally conscious consumption patterns. This study was conducted by collecting and analysing existing reports and studies regarding nutritional requirements, consumer behaviour related to food consumption and food waste, environmental impacts of food waste, and the concept of Metabolic Food Waste. The process of data collection involved searching the studies available online, using keywords related to the subject of MFW and overconsumption. The references in the initial studies consulted were also analysed in order to further identify new data relevant to overconsumption and MFW. The materials studied and analysed related to the environmental impact of MFW were published by E. Toti and M. Serafini in 2016 and 2019; additionally, in order to understand the causes of overconsumption numerous studies were reviewed regarding consumer behaviour, the relationship between economic development and overconsumption, mental health and dietary habits, physical context and dietary habits, genetic predisposition, also childhood and early adulthood environment. By analysing and corroborating external data available for food waste, nutritional requirements, and the environmental impact of food waste and consumer behaviour, we identified as primary causes for MFW the lack of nutritional education and little understanding of the nutritional requirements amongst all categories of consumers, poor access to appropriate food resources or reduced availability of fresh produced food. We conclude that for the quantification of the negative impact of MFW on both the environment and human health we need decisive action to raise consumer awareness for healthy and sustainable diets, together with a uniform worldwide distribution system for nutritious food.

Food and Beverage Consumption Habits through the Perception of Health Belief Model (Grab Food or Go Food) in Surabaya and Pasuruan

“…Previous research explained that when we refer to food, overconsumption means overeating, and it is the situation in which an individual consumes food above the body’s energy requirements in relation to energy expenditure, leading to excess fat in the body. When practiced constantly for long periods of time, and coupled with lack of physical activity, overeating is the principal cause of overweight and obesity in both adults and children [ 27 ].…”

“…Community education and empowerment is needed to increase their awareness around understanding their needs and developing ways to access healthy and fresh food. It aims to increase consumer awareness of a healthy and sustainable diet, along with a uniform distribution system of nutritious food around the world and reduce food waste due to overconsumption [ 27 ]. This effort is part of a global effort to manage the world’s economy and food resources [ 27 ].…”

“…It aims to increase consumer awareness of a healthy and sustainable diet, along with a uniform distribution system of nutritious food around the world and reduce food waste due to overconsumption [ 27 ]. This effort is part of a global effort to manage the world’s economy and food resources [ 27 ].…”

Post-Pandemic Feeding Patterns and Mediterranean Diet Adherence in Spanish Toddlers

“…Nutrition education programs are still needed and should target not only children but also parents, caregivers, pediatricians, teachers, and other professionals [40]. As described in previous studies, that nutritional understanding of children and young adults is commonly influenced by their caregiver's knowledge about healthy feeding habits [41].…”

GDP and Household Food Waste in the Digital Era: How E-Commerce Can Transform European Sustainability Practices

“…Other forms of household food waste include consumption of food in excessive quantities and the consumption of products of animal origin in excess, beyond the nutritional needs of the human body. Obesity and overweightness are a consequence of metabolic food waste, except for situations imposed by medical reasons [40]. Meat and meat products, as well as milk and dairy products, are in demand far beyond people's protein needs, which generates the demand for intensive exploitation of animals, which also in turn depletes plant resources.…”