An Interview with Renata Càssar, Nutrition Communication Manager Latin America at BENEO
As a communicator at BENEO, I often focus on weight management and the solutions we offer for healthy weight control. Undernutrition, however, is a topic I’ve encountered far less—until recently. A striking article by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) brought a powerful paradox to light: while many in Latin America and the Caribbean still go hungry, the region also suffers from obesity rates above the global average. One quote in particular stood out: “Child undernutrition and overweight are two sides of the same coin.”
This surprising connection prompted me to reach out to Renata Càssar, Manager for Nutrition Communication in Latin America at BENEO. With her scientific expertise and deep understanding of the regional landscape, she helped me explore this nutritional duality from a broader, more integrated perspective.
Would you agree that undernutrition and obesity—although seemingly opposite—are actually connected challenges?
Renata Càssar: Absolutely. While they may appear to be opposites, both are manifestations of the same underlying issue: malnutrition. At the core is a poor diet that lacks essential nutrients—something that can result from economic hardship or limited food access. Many families must rely on low-cost, energy-dense foods that are high in sugar, fat, and salt but low in micronutrients. Over time, this can lead not only to nutrient deficiencies but also to overweight and obesity.
The problem is particularly acute in Latin America and the Caribbean, where around 43 million people experience hunger, while obesity rates continue to climb. According to the World Obesity Atlas, childhood obesity could more than double by 2035 compared to 2020 levels—reaching 208 million boys and 175 million girls worldwide. What’s especially concerning is that childhood obesity is growing faster than adult obesity.
Are there concrete efforts underway to address this paradox? From your perspective as a nutritionist, what approaches are most impactful?
Renata Càssar: This issue resonates deeply with me—not only because of its implications for public health, but also because of its ties to social inequality, cultural habits, and economic pressures.
First and foremost, making healthy staple foods accessible and affordable—like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains—is essential. Policies that promote universal school meals and breastfeeding when possible are also key to improving childhood nutrition.
Some Latin American countries have implemented mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labeling. These labels inform consumers when a product exceeds recommended thresholds for sugar, sodium, saturated fats, or calories and are encouraging more conscious choices at the point of purchase.
In Brazil, the private sector has worked with the Ministry of Health to reduce sugar and sodium and eliminate trans fats – an example of public-private collaboration. These initiatives are in line with the WHO’s Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health[1], and reflect a growing recognition of nutrition as a collective responsibility.
From the industry’s perspective, I see a genuine willingness to improve the nutritional quality of products. At the same time it is important to maintain taste, texture, and consumer appeal. This is where BENEO’s functional ingredients offer real value: they help reduce sugar and fat, boost fiber intake, and support the integration of plant-based proteins, all while maintaining the sensory experience consumers expect.
How is BENEO actively contributing to the fight against malnutrition in Latin America?
Renata Càssar: At BENEO, my role focuses on translating scientific research into practical nutrition communication—both for manufacturers and for healthcare professionals. These professionals are crucial in promoting dietary diversity and encouraging nutrient-rich diets that address both ends of the malnutrition spectrum.
Last year, we launched a free educational initiative for healthcare professionals in Brazil, providing access to the latest research on diet and health. Based on its success, we’ve expanded with an open-access course for Spanish-speaking countries across Latin America. One of our flagship programs in 2025 is the virtual Master Academy, offered free of charge. It dives into topics like the importance of gut health and the role of prebiotics in supporting a healthy microbiome.
The gut microbiota plays a foundational role in lifelong health and is central to preventing both undernutrition and obesity. Nutrition during the first 1,000 days —from conception to a child’s second birthday—is especially critical. It influences everything from immune development to metabolic health. Providing the right nutrients during this window can dramatically reduce the risk of obesity and chronic disease later in life.
That said, it’s never too late to start making healthier choices. Even small, consistent improvements can have a lasting impact. And in many ways, “consistent steps” is a guiding principle when tackling malnutrition because progress doesn’t come from one action alone but from ongoing effort and collaboration.
Ultimately, solving this paradox requires shared responsibility. Food manufacturers, health professionals, educators, and policymakers all have a role to play. At BENEO, we are proud to support this journey.
Thank you, Renata, for shedding light on this important topic and offering such valuable insights into how we can address both undernutrition and obesity in a more unified way.
[1] Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health