A life course approach to diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases I Darnton-Hill, C Nishida, and WPT James Abstract: This review explores the current understanding of chronic disease aetiology and prevention using a life course perspective, highlighting lifelong influences on disease development. A systematic literature search, including WHO reports, identified a global epidemic of obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly in developing and transitional economies. Prevention is the most cost-effective strategy, involving three mutually reinforcing strategies throughout life, starting in the antenatal period. Key factors include the fetal origins of adult disease, nutrition transition, and social determinants. The paper emphasizes the importance of addressing chronic diseases in developing countries and countries in transition, noting the double burden of under- and overnutrition. It highlights the role of early life factors, such as intra-uterine growth retardation, low birth weight, and overnutrition in utero, in increasing the risk of chronic diseases. The paper also discusses the impact of lifestyle factors, including diet, physical activity, and socioeconomic status, on chronic disease risk throughout the life course. It concludes that a life course approach is essential for effective prevention and control of chronic diseases, with a focus on early intervention and the importance of addressing social determinants. The paper also highlights the need for global cooperation and policy development to address the growing burden of chronic diseases.A life course approach to diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases I Darnton-Hill, C Nishida, and WPT James Abstract: This review explores the current understanding of chronic disease aetiology and prevention using a life course perspective, highlighting lifelong influences on disease development. A systematic literature search, including WHO reports, identified a global epidemic of obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly in developing and transitional economies. Prevention is the most cost-effective strategy, involving three mutually reinforcing strategies throughout life, starting in the antenatal period. Key factors include the fetal origins of adult disease, nutrition transition, and social determinants. The paper emphasizes the importance of addressing chronic diseases in developing countries and countries in transition, noting the double burden of under- and overnutrition. It highlights the role of early life factors, such as intra-uterine growth retardation, low birth weight, and overnutrition in utero, in increasing the risk of chronic diseases. The paper also discusses the impact of lifestyle factors, including diet, physical activity, and socioeconomic status, on chronic disease risk throughout the life course. It concludes that a life course approach is essential for effective prevention and control of chronic diseases, with a focus on early intervention and the importance of addressing social determinants. The paper also highlights the need for global cooperation and policy development to address the growing burden of chronic diseases.