ANIMAL FAT CONSUMPTION VERSUS SUGAR INTAKE: IMPLICATIONS FOR OBESITY IN THE POPULATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

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Mocanu N., Stratan A., Züngün D., Stancıu S.

SCIENTIFIC PAPERS-SERIES D-ANIMAL SCIENCE, vol.69, no.1, pp.688-695, 2026 (ESCI)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 69 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Journal Name: SCIENTIFIC PAPERS-SERIES D-ANIMAL SCIENCE
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI)
  • Page Numbers: pp.688-695
  • İstanbul Yeni Yüzyıl University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between obesity prevalence and dietary patterns in the Republic of Moldova, with a
comparative focus on animal fat and sugar consumption. The analysis uses national-level data from FAOSTAT, the World
Health Organization, and the World Bank for the period 2010–2022. Obesity prevalence among adults and children was
analysed alongside indicators of animal fat and sugar supply. The results indicate a closer descriptive association
between obesity prevalence and sugar availability than with animal fat intake; however, these findings are based on seven
biennial co-trending observations and should be interpreted only as population-level trend indicators rather than
evidence of causation. Both dietary components increased during the study period, although animal fat consumption
showed a weaker and more variable association with obesity trends. The study also includes a policy-oriented discussion
regarding HFSS food advertising and public health implications in the Republic of Moldova.