Key Nutrition Topics
An unbalanced diet can lead to deficiencies in nutrients that are required for essential functions. Our bodies cannot make minerals and vitamins, so it is important that they are included in our diet.
Obesity
Body weight increases when energy intake (or calories eaten) exceeds energy expended. This spare energy is stored as fat. Our lifestyles and lack of physical activity play a big role in obesity. Being overweight can contribute to a wide range of medical problems including:
Eating too little
Although eating too much can have serious health implications, the same is true for eating too little. Young girls in particular often feel pressured to stay thin and many start dieting at an early age. The consequences of eating too little include:
- Poor growth and development
- Susceptibility to infections
- Lethargy
- Inability to concentrate
- Feeling cold
Key fact
Poor diets in children are associated with frequent infections, poor weight gain and delays in child development.
Did You know?
Different people need different amounts of energy. Some people may need to eat more to maintain a healthy weight and proper body functioning. Energy requirements vary with:
- Gender — Women tend to need less energy than men.
- Age — Babies and young children need more nutrients in relation to their size because they are growing. Extra energy is also required to fuel growth during puberty.
- Body size — Heavy people with bigger builds need more energy than light people.
- Activity — The more active a person is, the more energy required.
- Motherhood — Pregnant and breast-feeding women need extra nutrients to enable their baby to live and grow.
