Final answer:
The factors that best characterize a transitioning region with a common nutrition paradox are decreased physical activity and increased intake of energy-dense food. This leads to imbalances, contributing to overnutrition and obesity, while others may still experience undernutrition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question seeks to identify the factors that best characterize a transitioning region where the nutrition paradox is common. The nutrition paradox refers to the coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition within the same community or population, and often is a result of changes in diet and lifestyle patterns, including physical activity levels.
Option (a), Decreased physical activity combined with an increased intake of energy-dense food, best characterizes a transitioning region where the nutrition paradox is common. A higher consumption of energy-dense foods (such as fast food and snacks high in sugar and fat), coupled with reduced physical activity, leads to an imbalance in energy homeostasis. This can contribute to overnutrition and related health issues like obesity, while other community members might still face undernutrition due to lack of access to sufficient food quantities or nutrient-rich foods.
Good nutrition involves eating a balanced diet with nutrient-dense foods to provide essential vitamins and minerals while maintaining an appropriate energy intake to support daily activities. High energy density foods do provide more calories, but often less nutritional value, which is why they are consumed less in a diet that focuses on nutrient density for maintaining good health.