Malnutrition and diet-related diseases inflict staggering economic losses, surpassing US$8.1 trillion annually on a global scale. These issues not only strain healthcare systems but also reverberate across various sectors. Failing to act decisively could precipitate a global health catastrophe. Presently, the global nutrition crisis looms large, with over 2.5 billion adults grappling with overweight or obesity issues. Simultaneously, 149 million children under the age of 5 endure stunting, and nearly half of the under-5 mortality rate is linked to malnutrition, presenting formidable economic hurdles as well.
Traditional intervention strategies have shown limited efficacy. In contrast, AI technology emerges as a beacon of hope, capable of crafting personalized nutrition plans through meticulous analysis of individual data. Moreover, it can accurately forecast the risk of chronic diseases. Illustrative examples include China's pioneering pregnancy health management initiative and Samsung's innovative "Food+" app in South Korea. The market for AI-driven nutrition solutions is experiencing robust growth.
However, the deployment of AI applications is not without its challenges. Ethical dilemmas and equity concerns loom large, encompassing issues such as model inapplicability, privacy breaches, prohibitive costs, and insufficient network infrastructure. Hence, it is imperative for all stakeholders to unite in establishing ethical guidelines and devising cost-effective service models. Such efforts are crucial to bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to AI-powered health solutions.
