The Influence of Cultural Dietary Patterns on Global Obesity Trends: A Comprehensive Review

greater BMI reduction than standardized programs, and UPF‑related fiscal/retail policies reduce UPF purchases by ≈13% with early signals of population‑level BMI benefit. Findings present a multidimensional framework linking nutritional anthropology, social ecology, and cultural adaptation to explain how cultural food systems shape obesity. Policy implications include preserving traditional diets, implementing gender- and age-sensitive programs, and curbing UPFs while improving access to culturally relevant foods. Limitations include reliance on secondary data and regional heterogeneity; future research should enhance causal inference and expand longitudinal coverage in understudied areas.