Assessing dietary and nutritional problems

Assessing Dietary and Nutritional Problems

Malnutrition

  • Malnutrition refers to a condition that occurs due to not obtaining all necessary nutrients from the diet, resulting in health problems.
  • This involves both undernutrition and overnutrition - consuming too little and too much of nutrients, respectively.
  • Undernutrition leads to stunting (low height for age), wasting (low weight for height), micronutrient deficiencies and underweight.
  • Overnutrition leads to obesity and associated diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.

Obesity

  • Obesity is a significant issue affecting many people today. It is classified by a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more.
  • Measuring BMI involves dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared.
  • Obesity places an individual at risk for many health problems including heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Eating Disorders

  • Eating disorders are mental health conditions that cause people to develop an unhealthy relationship with food.
  • The most common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.
  • Anorexia nervosa is characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss.
  • Bulimia nervosa involves a cycle of binge eating and compensatory behaviours such as forced vomiting to undo the effects of binge eating.
  • Binge-eating disorder is characterized by regular episodes of excessive, uncontrollable eating.

Micronutrient Deficiencies

  • A lack of essential vitamins and minerals, often referred to as micronutrient deficiencies, can lead to severe health problems.
  • Iron deficiency is a primary cause of anemia, a condition in which the body lacks enough red blood cells.
  • Vitamin A deficiency can compromise the immune system, leading to illness and disease.
  • Iodine deficiency can cause growth and developmental issues, especially in babies and young children.

Food Intolerances and Allergies

  • Food intolerances and allergies can cause a variety of symptoms and can result from the body’s adverse reaction to certain foods.
  • Symptoms can include nausea, stomach pain, gas, cramps, bloating, vomiting, diarrhoea, and heartburn.
  • Common foods that can cause allergic reactions include milk, eggs, nuts, fish, and shellfish.

Conclusion

  • Adequate nutrition is fundamental for one’s overall health. Thus, assessing dietary and nutritional problems efficiently is essential to prevent health consequences.