Abstract

This study investigates (and forecasts) food consumption patterns in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region from 1961 to 2023. A vector auto-regressive model (VAR) was used to estimate systems of equations of per capita food consumption of major food items, and their trends over time, for the purpose of highlighting changes in the region’s dietary patterns. The study area had shown symptoms of diet transition marked by a shift toward consuming more sugar and animal products, and fewer vegetables and cereals. These changes have been accompanied by substantial food waste and an increase in diet-related diseases. The region needs to develop policy programs that combine government action, research, education, and mass media communication programs to raise public awareness about the benefits of diet and exercise, and to promote more healthful eating patterns.

Key words: Diet transition, food consumption, waste, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).