Morocco

SUMMARY

In Morocco, the last decade has been characterized by a net improvement in all nutritional status indicators for children under 5 years of age. However, their status is still not fully satisfactory: 24% are stunted and 10% are underweight, while wasting has practically disappeared. The southern region seems to be most affected, while the eastern region shows the lowest prevalence.In 1984-85, the average BMI for adults was 23 kg/m²; 24% of adults tended to be obese (BMI>25 kg/m²) and 7% tended to be thin (BMI<18.5 kg/m²). These data show that obesity is on the rise. If this trend continues, it may constitute a real public health problem over the next few years.

In 1984-85, the average BMI for adults was 23 kg/m²; 24% of adults tended to be obese (BMI>25 kg/m²) and 7% tended to be thin (BMI<18.5 kg/m²). These data show that obesity is on the rise. If this trend continues, it may constitute a real public health problem over the next few years.

The nutritional status of adults partly overlaps with that of children: anthropometric indicators in children and adults follow the same pattern. For these two age categories, the southern region has the highest prevalence of malnutrition, while the eastern region has the lowest.

The overall percentage of Moroccans suffering from food deficits has been estimated by FAO to be 10%, according to the methodology based on the level of food availability and on a hypothetical distribution of available food. There is a net improvement in the infant and child mortality rate; this is usually one of the most significant indicators of the nutritional and health status of a country. The nutritional status is better in urban than rural areas. However, the urban population's food consumption expressed in energy terms is lower than that of the rural population; this would result from the urban population having a lower energy requirement, as they have a lower level of physical activity.

Morocco has undergone a rapid urbanization process and nearly 48% of the urban population is concentrated in the fertile plains and coastal areas of the North-West region, where economic activities are mainly located. Anaemia still affects 30% of women and 10% of men in Morocco; this could be explained in part by the Moroccan diet – rich in fibre, phytates and tannins which reduce the bio-availability of iron. Goitre is still endemic in several areas of Morocco. Although the diet's composition plays an important role in the absorption of micronutrients, it is only one factor responsible for micronutrient deficiencies.

The latest food consumption surveys show that the consumption of products of animal origin (milk products, meat, eggs and fish) is relatively low, and that it increases less rapidly than in countries that have achieved the same level of economic development. In contrast, the consumption of oils and fats is increasing at a rate that would suppose an increase in income.

Food consumption is but one of the many factors that have contributed to the improved nutritional status observed in Morocco. Other factors include a decrease in infectious and parasitic diseases, an improvement of socio-economic conditions and education, and an improved access to health infrastructures.